Job description for Product Development Manager (FMCG Food) at Geekhunter
Job Responsibilities
- Manage assigned product portfolios and support the development of long-term portfolio strategies across brands and categories.
- Identify portfolio gaps, market opportunities, and potential areas for SKU expansion, rationalization, premiumization, and cost optimization.
- Lead and coordinate end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) and product renovation projects, including recipe improvement, packaging innovation, product extensions, and limited-edition launches.
- Work closely with R&D throughout the Stage-Gate process, from developing product briefs and concepts to product trials and commercialization.
- Translate consumer insights and market trends into relevant product concepts and specifications.
- Conduct market and consumer research covering consumer behavior, usage occasions, category trends, competitor activities, and market opportunities.
- Coordinate and participate in sensory evaluations, taste tests, competitive benchmarking, concept testing, and other product validation activities.
- Collaborate with Packaging Development, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to develop effective, functional, and cost-efficient packaging solutions.
- Coordinate with R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, Trade Marketing, Finance, and Brand Marketing to ensure smooth product commercialization.
- Monitor post-launch product performance, including sales, profitability, distribution, consumer feedback, product quality, and competitive activity.
- Conduct regular portfolio and product performance reviews and recommend corrective actions or improvement initiatives.
- Ensure product development and launch projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, and business objectives.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Chemistry, or other relevant fields.
- 4–6 years of experience in Product Management, Brand Management, Product Development, Innovation, or Category Management within the FMCG industry.
- Experience in food, beverage, condiment, seasoning, or consumer goods industries is highly preferred.
- Proven experience managing New Product Development (NPD), product renovation, and commercialization projects.
- Good understanding of product development, consumer insights, market research, and portfolio management.
- Strong analytical and commercial mindset with the ability to translate market and consumer insights into business opportunities.
- Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Good understanding of sensory evaluation and product testing methodologies is an advantage.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
