Product/Project Manager - Irene

SUMMARY:
Role Purpose
The Product/Project Manager will be responsible for leading product and brand strategies, overseeing new product development, managing stock and supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient execution of marketing and operational projects. The role requires strong leadership, creativity, and commercial acumen to achieve growth, profitability, and innovation across categories.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Marketing Management

• Develop and direct annual category, brand, and product plans to achieve financial growth and profitability targets.
• Plan, manage, and execute marketing campaigns aligned to category and brand strategies.
• Drive new product development (NPD), from concept through to launch, informed by market trends and competitor analysis.
• Identify and implement innovative ingredients, packaging, technologies, and concepts that are commercially viable.

• Collaborate with Procurement and Operations to ensure efficient stock planning and movement.
• Manage growth targets and forecasts by brand and SKU.
• Drive promotional activity and innovation to ensure required stock turn.
• Clear ageing or expiring stock proactively.

• Manage product costing within purchasing and packaging parameters.
• Partner and negotiate with manufacturers and suppliers to achieve business objectives.
• Manage supplier agreements, processes, and relationships.
• Ensure all products are legal, compliant, and appropriate for exports and CAMS, with a focus on labelling and ingredients.

• Oversee and deliver projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Lead, manage, and develop the team within the department.
• Improve and implement systems and processes to enhance efficiency.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements

• Post Grade 12 qualification (Degree or equivalent). RPL will be taken into account.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• FMCG or luxury brand experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Strategic approach with strong commercial insight.
• Proven ability in creative problem solving.
• Strong negotiating, organisational, and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to coach, manage, and grow people.
• Customer-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Strong computer literacy (Outlook, MS Word, Excel) and ERP system knowledge.
• Flexible with time and mobility.