New Product Development Manager (Fixed Term Contract)

Main duties:

Packaging and Artwork

• Provide an in-house graphic and packaging design facility.
• Make range extensions and refreshes existing designs to accommodate client’s requirements.
• Liaise with sales representative re client’s requirements for new concepts.
• Prepare artwork for all certified wines for relevant certification approvals for OWS and other contract bottlers (local and international)
• DTP of artwork in vector format for print to suppliers and sign final proofs.
• Check and approve all dry goods artwork (labels, cartons, screwcaps, etc.) for the company and overseas bottling facilities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Brief external designers on projects and be liaison between designer and sales representative / client.
• Liaise with trademark lawyers to search online for new trademarks.
• Maintain register of all new listings in new territories.

Dry Goods Cost Reduction

• Ensure approval of all dry goods, with artwork, quotations (labels, cartons, etc.).
• Monitor designs/layout of dry goods and redesign when necessary to ensure cost effectiveness.
• Artwork finishes adjusted where necessary.
• Ensure cost of dry goods is in line with finance costing.
• Work with Procurement to ensure optimum print run sizes based on PO’s.
• Maintain file with all Client Specific DG requirements.
• Challenge current suppliers to remain up to date and cost effective.

Dry Goods Suppliers

• Test and approve all new supplier products in accordance with NPD Trial Procedure and in conjunction with production department and Quality Control
• Assist Production and Procurement in solving QC issues with regards to supplier quality and service when required
• Liaise with dry goods suppliers to ensure all requirements are met

New Products

• Manage new projects through to first production, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Supply Critical Path for all approved projects.
• Ensure that full NPD trials are completed in time for all new products, before first production, and trial records are always completed and up to date.
• Liaise with contracted designers on all NPD when needed.

Quality Management System

• Ensure NPD procedures and documentation adhere to QMS standards as per company Compliance
• Follow QMS protocol as described by QMS procedures for trials as well as production.
• Liaise with SAWIS, DAFF & Wine Standards Board with regards to Wine Laws and mandatory Label information and any changes to legislation.

People Management, Health & Safety, Housekeeping

• Maintains discipline and ensures adherence to company policy regarding timekeeping, work performance and behaviour, quality standards, deadlines and proper procedures.
• Ensure effective communication between management and NPD personnel.
• Supervise work of NPD employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, procedures and deadlines and correcting errors or problems.
• Provides employees with guidance in handling difficult or complex problems and in resolving escalated complaints or disputes.
• Manage staff performance according to company standards, policies and procedures.
• Conducts performance appraisals and reviews and recruit staff when necessary.
• Identifies training needs and contributes to the development of individuals.
• Ensures HACCP principles are adhered to and participates in annual HACCP training
• Adheres to company and statutory Health & Safety policies and procedures
• Works closely with the safety representative to ensure adherence to safe work practices
• Ensures housekeeping is kept in order and meets required standards and all areas of responsibility are clean and neat

Qualifications & Experience

• 5 years’ experience in similar environment
• Post Matric Graphics qualification
• Introduction to Wine and South African 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.

Skills & Competencies:

• In depth knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design.

Sound knowledge of Wine and South African wine industry which includes:

• SAWIS Label Legislation for Wine of Origin Scheme;
• South African Wine label requirements;
• Dept of Health Wine label Requirements;
• Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
• Knowledge of Labelling Requirements for South African wine intended for sale in EU (incl. UK), USA, Canada, China and African continent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must show initiative, be target driven and self-motivated
• Team player and hard worker
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

To apply, submit a detailed CV with contactable references to j.a.z.recruitment.