Job Description
About the Role
The Product Development Manager will be responsible for driving the organisation’s tissue product portfolio and overseeing the full lifecycle of product development — from concept and design through to commercialization and market launch. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and innovation capability to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost-efficiency, and market requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) process, including concept generation, product design, prototyping, testing, and commercial launch.
- Conduct market research and consumer trend analysis to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation.
- Manage product testing processes including sensory testing such as softness and absorbency.
- Ensure new products are successfully transitioned from development into pilot production and full-scale manufacturing.
- Optimise product design attributes including fibre composition, ply structure, embossing patterns, perforations, and packaging solutions.
- Improve product functionality, durability, consumer experience, and shelf appeal.
- Apply data-driven analysis to enhance product performance, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Conduct detailed cost analysis and value engineering initiatives to optimise production costs while maintaining product quality.
- Identify opportunities for raw material optimisation, energy efficiency improvements, and waste reduction.
- Support SHEQ teams in implementing and maintaining quality control standards and testing protocols.
- Ensure compliance with relevant SABS standards, ISO 9001 requirements, FSC certification, and hygiene regulations.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.
- Drive sustainability initiatives including eco-friendly product innovations, biodegradable materials, and reduced plastic packaging.
- Contribute to environmental performance tracking aligned to the organisation’s ESG objectives.
- Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, marketing, and supplier partners to ensure alignment on product development projects.
- Facilitate project meetings and workshops to drive progress across departments.
- Provide updates and presentations to senior leadership on project progress and outcomes.
- Monitor competitor products, emerging technologies, and consumer trends.
- Identify opportunities for product differentiation and market growth.
- Manage product development project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure projects are delivered efficiently and within approved budgets.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Paper Science / Technology, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science , or a related technical field.
- Postgraduate qualification such as MSc, MBA, or Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology would be advantageous.
- Project management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile would be advantageous.
- 10 – 15 years’ experience in product development, R&D, or technical roles within FMCG manufacturing.
Salary & Benefits
Not specified
How to Apply
Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.
About Scientific / QA Jobs in Ekurhuleni
In the Ekurhuleni region, the demand for skilled professionals in scientific and quality assurance (QA) roles is steady, driven by the growth of various industries such as technology and manufacturing. Typically, these positions require technical expertise and analytical skills to ensure product or service quality, compliance with regulations, and innovative solutions. Generally, careers in this field offer a stable and rewarding work environment.
Salaries for scientific and QA professionals in Ekurhuleni can vary widely depending on factors like experience, company size, industry sector, and specific job requirements. Broadly speaking, salaries typically fall within the range of R500 000 to R2 million per annum, although this is only a general guideline and actual figures may differ significantly. Disclaimers must be made that these ranges are approximate, and actual salaries can vary widely depending on individual circumstances.
Common skills required for scientific and QA roles include expertise in laboratory testing, data analysis, quality control procedures, software proficiency (e.g., SQL, Python), knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., GMP, ISO 9001), analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. Often, a strong educational background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields is essential for these roles.
Several industries commonly employ scientific and QA professionals, including the financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and pharmaceutical sector. Typically, companies within these sectors require professionals to ensure product safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance. It’s worth noting that career development opportunities in this field can be excellent, with many professionals advancing to senior roles, such as team lead or manager, or pursuing further education and training.
In terms of career progression, experienced scientific and QA professionals can move into leadership positions, take on more complex projects, or specialize in specific areas like product development or regulatory affairs. Generally, staying up-to-date with industry developments, acquiring relevant certifications, and building a strong professional network are essential for long-term success in these roles.
This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.
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