New Product Development Manager at AACE Food Processing & Distribution Limited

JOB SUMMARY: The New Product Manager reports to the Deputy Managing director and helps to develop new and improved products for AACE Foods. He/She will work with stakeholders across the organization to improve existing products or develop and test new products.  This is a cross functional role that aims to bring disciplines together to sign off each aspect of new product introduction.  An innovator and facilitator with a creative but practical disposition.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: He/She will be:
Accountable and Responsible for:

• Providing a feasibility assessment for new products proposed by the marketing team.
• Overseeing the cross functional implementation of the agreed plans concerning Management Approved new products, especially with regards to timing and follow through (Project Management).
• Providing input for the design, development, refinement, and implementation of new products and working with production to identify process improvement.

Accountable for:

• Creating and managing the new product development pipeline portfolio.
• Maintaining knowledge on all regulatory issues as relating to the company’s products and ensuring compliance.
• Recommending the prioritization of new concepts/products through the development process which includes:
• Formula and costing creation presented by finance
• Review of Customer/Market testing completed by marketing
• Production Scale up assessed by the factory.

Responsible for:

• Collaborating cross-functionally to drive the Customer to Concept process to bring new products to market.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• First degree in Food Science and Technology or related fields.
• Relevant certifications will be an advantage.
• Previous experience in New Product Development

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to work cross functionally and ‘influence’ more than direct
• Fast paced and analytical.
• Team player with good communication skills.
• Excellent leadership skills.