Product Development Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Tissue Manufacturing / Paper & Pulp Industry (Essential)

A leading South African FMCG manufacturer of tissue and hygiene products is seeking a highly experienced Product Development Manager to drive innovation, product excellence, and commercial success within its growing product portfolio.

Operating across Retail and Business-to-Business markets in South Africa and neighbouring countries, the organisation produces high-quality toilet tissue, facial tissues, and paper towels trusted by households and businesses alike. The company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and product performance, continually investing in technologies and processes that improve both consumer experience and environmental impact.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, ideal for a technical expert who understands the science and engineering behind tissue products, and who enjoys transforming ideas into commercially successful products.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO / COO, the successful candidate will take ownership of the entire tissue product lifecycle, from concept and research through to pilot production and commercial launch.

You will work closely with manufacturing, procurement, marketing, and suppliers to create products that stand out in the market through superior softness, absorbency, design, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a well-established FMCG brand.

Key Responsibilities

• New Product Development
• Product Design & Optimization
• Cost Engineering & Value Optimization
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Sustainability Innovation
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Market Intelligence

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Paper Science/Technology, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science or related field.

• Postgraduate qualifications such as MSc, MBA, or Pulp & Paper Technology will be advantageous.

Experience

• 10 – 15 years’ experience in product development, R&D or technical roles in FMCG manufacturing.

• Mandatory experience in tissue manufacturing / pulp and paper industry.

• Proven track record leading New Product Development projects from concept to commercialization.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of tissue converting processes including:

  • Creping

  • Calendaring

  • Winding

  • Embossing technologies

• Knowledge of pulp chemistry, material properties, and manufacturing equipment.

• Familiarity with quality systems, regulatory compliance and sustainability standards.

Financial & Analytical Skills

• Experience with cost modelling, variance analysis and financial impact assessment of product changes.

• Exposure to management accounting principles (CIMA or similar advantageous).

Additional Skills

• Strong project management capability (PMP / PRINCE2 / Agile beneficial).

• Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience (e.g. SAP).

• Lean / Six Sigma exposure advantageous.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Personal Attributes

• Innovative and solutions-driven

• Strong commercial awareness

• Passion for sustainability and product innovation

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment

Additional Requirements

• South African citizen or valid work permit holder

• Based in Gauteng or willing to relocate to the Johannesburg area

• Willing to travel occasionally to suppliers and production facilities