Commercial

• Nov 2022 - Present

Product Development Manager: Total Dairy and Protein

• Feb 2021 - Oct 2022

Product Development Manager: Total Dairy and Protein (Dairy, Cheese, Butchery, Poultry, CPM and Fish)Role and Responsibilities Broad Summary:- Drives the development of new and innovative products for the Pick n Pay end to end offering, including branded, own brand and confined label products.-Improves the innovation in the categories that will drive sales and increase market share thus positioning the company as the leader in the industry.- Lead and manages the day to day working of the product team in 6 categories with 3 direct reports while reporting into the Head of Development.- Manage and drives the product strategy end to end for the broader category to ensure key growth and deliverables.- Ensure on time launches and products that meet a high standard- Hold the design look and feel and deliverables on packaging to ensure category shopping experience is delivered with excitement appeal per customer segment

Pick n Pay Product Development Manager: Dairy, Cheese and Poultry Own Brand and Branded

• Jul 2019 - Jan 2021

Creates commercially viable long-term category, range and product strategies through analysis of the local consumer landscape, backed by global trend research and trend forecastingPresents new ideas to corporate executives to gain permission to develop product rangesLeads and manages the product developers/technologist to constantly innovate products, processes, technologiesOversees product development from feasibility and ideation through to launch and post launch follow-up amongst a team of individuals in accordance to strictly set deadlinesUtilize category management principles to identify product and brand opportunities, and provide the solution required to realize these opportunitiesSet and continuously improve the quality standards of the product ranges which includes coordinating and collaborating with all cross-functional departments essential to the R&D processDeliver expertise and best in class knowledge of ingredients, formulations and food processing techniquesPartakes in cross-category sensory panelling of product prototypes using paired preference, triangle testing, paired comparison and same / different sensory methodsManage product label artwork and design from ideation and briefing to artwork sign off by working alongside the design and regulatory team as well as suppliers which adheres to DAFF compliance Manage the end to end process of product development; development of new product samples, modification of existing products, optimization of products and processes, new product cost analysis (design to cost), optimization analysis across all areas related to R&D, implementation of optimization procedures, product specifications, collaborate with teams responsible for DAFF regulatory requirementsSupplier development through identifying and working alongside SME’s to help establish, assist, improve and grow SME’s into retail ready

Product Development Manager

• Oct 2018 - Jun 2019

Product Development Manager within the Danone Research and Innovation team, with special focus on the drinkables portfolio and breakthrough innovation.Key activities within the position included:• Development of new range extensions and breakthrough innovations from development phase, through factory trialling and implementation until launch• Define product cost through a design to cost approach and assist finance with P&L management throughout the development process• Support marketing with concept definition, consumer co-creation and consumer insights to build final product briefs• Briefing, engagement with and management of suppliers throughout the development process until launch • Sensory panelling and data analysis of new developments during the trial phase• Defining and improving factory processes and parameters on both existing and new products• Provide factory with technical support and assist with troubleshooting • Creation and management of product specifications and control documents• Management of internal stake holders throughout the development process at all levels, through efficient reporting and continues presentation

Research And Development Project Manager

• Aug 2016 - Sep 2018

Research and Development Project Manager within a global company, mainly focusing on innovation and development of fruit preparations, syrups and sauces for locally based national and multinationalFMCG companies. Additionally, innovating and developing for the SADC region, along with Kenya and Uganda.Key activities within the position included:• Holistic management of the R&D team and all R&D related activities with 2- 3 direct reports• Full scope development of new products as well as reformulation and optimization of existing products• Scale-up and industrial trialling from lab sample through pilot trials until factory launch• Client (national brands) and Co-packer engagement, management and technical support• Raw material sourcing and supplier management on both new and existing raw materials• Technical support to the factory regarding best practice, troubleshooting and process optimization• Support quality with product complaints, investigations and resolution as well as participate in audits and act as a member of the food safety team• Creation and management of product specifications, religious certifications, regulatory compliance and compliance verification against internal and external standards

Junior Research and Development Project Manager

• Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

Laboratory Technician

• Dec 2015 - May 2016

Included three month's international training in food product research and development at Frulact's Head Offices in Maia, Portugal.