Product Developer- Tea and Spices (Muizenberg) at Cape Herb & Spice

Purpose: A dynamic and vital role where project management meets passionate foodie, with equal importance. An opportunity to lead tea projects for a key local customer as well as help grow the tea business internationally by working closely with customers across the globe, with a common goal to deliver innovative teas which South Africa has to offer. Challenges abound in this fast-paced role that offers the opportunity to learn about international business, food and what it takes to be at the top of your industry.

Job Objectives:

• Project management and Product development

Key Functional Areas:

• Keep abreast of, and research new concepts, trends, market activity and innovation within the tea category
• Develop successful, commercially viable products that are sustainable and in line with the trends and intended target market
• Project manage and execute all stages of the product development process within given deadlines
• Ensure product conforms to country specific regulations on product and packaging
• Manage sustainable sourcing of new raw materials and packaging from compliant suppliers
• Ensure NPD compliance is in line with company certifications, for Tea
• Liaison between customer and internal operational departments on all new projects to ensure effective launches
• Schedule, lead and monitor customer weekly meetings and minutes
• On-time product launches
• Effective execution of launches within internal departments

Education and Required Knowledge:

• Either an equivalent of the below degree and 2 - 4 years’ experience or 5-10 years’ experience will be recognized:
  • Food Technology
  • Bsc Food Science
• Advantageous experience in:
  • Project Management
  • Product Development
  • Commercial exposure
• Computer Literacy (Microsoft office)
• Excel Fluency – Intermediate level
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English
• Driver’s license essential

Personal Characteristics:

• Deadline driven
• Proactive and enthusiastic
• Commercially minded
• High attention to detail
• A passionate and knowledgeable foodie
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A creative thinker
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Optimistic
• Solution-orientated