New Product Development Manager - liquor industry

SUMMARY:
Due to ongoing expansion, we are looking to recruit a NPD Manager for this leading liquor company

POSITION INFO:

Our Client is presently the largest privately owned wine and spirits merchant in South Africa. A tireless dedication to hard work, honesty and the personal touch has led to long standing and well trusted relationships with some of the most successful spirit brands in the world.

Due to ongoing expansion, they are now looking to recruit a New Product Development Manager to join their team at their facility in Isando. The core of this role is to manage new product development, improve our existing range and solve product questions relating to the production process for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to ensure that the company remains competitive, with exceptional quality standards being met.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

1. Developing new products from concept to launch according to the supplied brief, including management of costings, specifications, documentation and preparation for photoshoots.
2. Searching the market for trends and new product ideas.
3. Reformulating existing products for product improvements, cost-saving, best practice in bottling and technical changes.
4. Lab and production trials, launch productions and training of production staff.
5. Designing, conducting and documenting sensory evaluations and tastings.
6. Liaison with the Marketing Department in respect of concepts, packaging and the process of new product development.
7. Compiling and checking ingredient lists, packaging information and specifications.
8. Reporting and keeping complete record documents.
9. Taking responsibility for all matters concerning sustainability and responsible packaging.
10. food safety team member and acting as a liaison to the Quality Assurance Department concerning GMP, HACCP, FSSC/ISO standards, specifications, customer complaints and other quality matters.
11. Factory support in any product-related technical challenges and production process improvements.
12. Representing the Supply department in different meetings

To qualify for this role, you will need:

1. Relevant B Degree (Qualification relating to spirit production would be advantageous)
2. Certificate from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling would be advantageous
3. 8-10 years’ experience in relevant field
4. Must have proven experience in taking ownership of new product development, product benchmarking, recipe improvements, product labelling and food quality management.
5. Previous experience working at a flavour house or developing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be advantageous
6. Must be an expert at testing raw materials, analysing results, drawing up specifications, and drafting new production checks for production.
7. Must possess advanced project management skills.
8. Proficiency in advanced MS Office, lab practices, HACCP and quality control related practices.
9. Experience with local and international legislative requirements is essential
10. Experience in supplier auditing and related fields.
11. Must be willing to travel

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.