The role is responsible for the research, development and Integrating consumer insight, research, brand management, and all sector requirements. The role is to develop clear and detailed product briefs to uncover insights and bring innovative solutions to the market. The aim is to optimize consumer appeal and position the Client as leading edge in East Africa and beyond.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
INNOVATION
Creating and leading a multi-year innovation pipeline including Commercial Innovation while supporting brand strategies
Identifying trends and insights that lead to the conceptualization of product ideas that will uniquely and competitively position the Client.
Work closely with a team of chefs and other related departments to ensure all new products meet technical, price and production parameters
Develop the food and beverage platforms for new concepts and channels for all brands.
Drafting and signing off on product specifications and documentation
BUSINESS INTERACTION AND PERFORMANCE
Conceptualization of new products right through the seamless transition to the brand team post launch and track year-one-in-market performance.
Responsible for improving existing product offering to address Ever-Changing Consumer Demands
Work closely with finance in delivering P&L, including Y1 and ongoing volume forecasts, along with pricing and trade recommendations to profitably win in the marketplace.
Drafting and updating company existing/New Product Development procedures and ensuring that all staff are fully compliant
Reporting on product performance on a regular basis
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Food Industry R&D activities and business performance leading to improved business performance
Presenting new products to potential customers through research and co-creation groups
CUSTOMER INTERACTION AND CO-CREATIONS
Be the key customer contact for all issues concerning product innovations and outcomes (Business-Customer interface).
COMMUNICATION AND TEAM
Fostering an environment in which team members are motivated to generate new ideas based around clear customer feedback.
Taking responsibility for successful handover of product to process development staff
Contribute to all wider business perspectives from a food innovation perspective.
Develop the food and beverage platforms for new concepts and channels for all brands
Formulating new production processes or stages within processes
Generating ideas for new products and researching feasibility in terms of profitability, resource availability and compliance with regulations.
Optimized costing of menu items
Recording and analyzing data
Mapping out the marketing calendar on offers and specials
Liaising with engineering, research, technical and/or production staff
Writing and reading technical papers, reports, reviews and specifications
Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
Product development scientists are often responsible for supervising a number of projects at once.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Any one of the sections as mentioned in the work environment summary
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree /diploma food manufacturing or food science
Post grad culinary qualifications
EXPERIENCE
5 years production experience
3 years' experience in product development
Development chef, experience in creation and costings
Exposure to industrial food processing