New Product Development & Design Coordinator

SUMMARY:
As the NPD & Design Coordinator you will provide in-house graphic design and product development focused on packaging. You will support the NPD manager in managing new and existing projects from concept to production. You will further assist Sales, Planning & Procurement, and Production by ensuring client artwork approval, legislative compliance, supplier quotes, and production accuracy to specifications.

POSITION INFO:
Job Requirements (Minimum Entry Requirement)

Education:

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Minimum 3-year diploma or other Graphic design qualification.
• Introduction to Wine and South Africa Wine Industry, following up with further reading and research to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of all requirements and legislation pertaining to wine labels.

• Four years’ experience in similar environment / role.

• Driver’s License essential.

• In-depth knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design.
• Sound knowledge of Wine and South African wine industry with includes:

• SAWIS Label Legislation for Wine of Origin Scheme.
  · South African Wine label requirements.
  · Department of Health Wine label requirements.
  · Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.

• Knowledge of Labelling Requirements for South African wine intended for sale in EU, UK, USA, Canada, China and African continent.
• Administration skills, organised, ability to multi-task.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must show initiative, be target driven and self-motivated.
• Team player and hard worker.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment.

• Provide an in-house graphic and packaging design service.
• Make range extensions and refreshes existing designs to accommodate client's requirements.
• Liaise with sales representative / clients with regards to client's requirements for new concepts.
• Prepare artwork for all certified wines for relevant certification approvals.
• DTP of artwork in vector format for print to suppliers and sign final proofs.
• Check and approve all dry goods artwork (labels, cartons, screwcaps) for Origin Wine Stellenbosch bottlings.
• Sign-off first print run on press, and first bottle on production line as final packaging approval.
• Supply artwork for outer carton stickers if required.
• Supply artwork in correct format to facilitate SAGE process.
• Re-design artwork for ease of production and / or cost reduction.
• Assist clients with own brand packaging design in terms of supporting documents and application for packaging approval from SAWIS and all other certification bodies.
• Assist with mock up labels and samples for tenders. When required by sales reps / clients within deadline specified.

• Acquire quotes for dry goods when necessary.
• Maintain files on dry goods for reference and audits.
• Confirm all label certifications (Fairtrade, SAWIS, Organic or any other necessary).
• Dry goods checked for accuracy when delivered.
• Test and approved all new supplier products in accordance with NPD Trial Procedure and in conjunction with all relevant departments.
• Assist in solving QC issues with regards to supplier quality and service when required.
• Liaise with dry goods suppliers to ensure all requirements are met.

• Manage new projects through to first production, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Ensure that full NPD trials are completed in time for all new products before first production and trial records are always up to date.

• Check SAGE specs for completeness and accuracy before it is produced.
• Mock up samples of products for production line.
• Sign-off first bottle from production line.

• Ensure procedures and documentation adhere to QMS standards as per OWS compliance.
• Follow QMS protocol as described by WMS procedures.
• Liaise with SAWIS, DAFF and Wine standards Board with regards to Wine Laws and mandatory label information and any changes to legislation.

• Follow Health and Safety and housekeeping protocols.

• Performs general administrative duties for NPD when needed.