New Product Developer

A New Product Developer drives development of new and improved private label and exclusive products, ensuring delivery of innovative, compliant, and commercially viable products.

Essential

Matric or equivalent senior certificate and a Degree or diploma in BSc Food Science, Biochemistry or similar field. Or BCom in Product Management/ development / procurement or related qualification.

2-5 years’ experience in product development in retail industry, commercial, technical compliance, quality assurance or regulatory roles.

New Product Development

Develop new products aligned to category strategy and customer needs.

Manage product development lifecycle including product briefs, formulation, supplier confirmation, quote evaluation, sampling, testing, label compilation and brief to designers, reviews& sign off, and launch.

New article listing with all master data, features and Benefits, images and digital data.

Ensure products meet cost, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Drive continuous improvement of existing products and packaging.

Maintain a strong focus on Private Label, exclusive and In-House brands development.

Conduct manufacturer site visits ensuring all manufacturers/suppliers comply with Dis-Chem minimum requirements. Feeback from supplier visits to be documents and shared with NPD manager and category management/buyer.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with Category, Buying, Marketing, Private label and Compliance teams.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with key external partners and stakeholders (e.g. suppliers, packagers, manufacturers) for product development and sourcing.

Governance and risk

Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards across all products.

Monitor product performance and customer feedback. Review, investigate, and resolve customer complaints and queries related to scientific, technical, regulatory, and quality matters In a timely and professional manner.

Achieve monthly reporting deliverables.

Product development timelines.

Product success and performance.

Compliance and quality adherence.

Cost and margin targets