New Product Development & Marketing Manager

Job requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing/Communications/Business or similar
• Minimum of 2-3 year’s FMCG environment experience in a similar position
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as an NPD/Marketing Manager or in a similar position
• Proven ability to develop brand and marketing strategies.
• Experience in Digital Marketing
• Experience in working with WordPress and Adobe Programmes (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) advantageous (Portfolio)
• Understanding of import and export requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of the FMCG environment.
• Must be computer literate in MS Office; Excel, Word, and Outlook (Pastel/Syspro will be advantageous)
• Own car and driver’s license
• Clear criminal record

Job responsibilities:

NPD

• Initiating, driving, and executing New Product Development from concept to launch. The innovation of new products and the renovation of existing ones in relation to the business strategy.
• Keeping abreast of, and researching new concepts, trends, market activity, and innovation within the tea, Vanilla, herbs & spices categories, etc.
• Developing successful, commercially viable products that are sustainable and in line with the trends and intended target market.
• Interpreting briefs accurately to deliver effective solutions that meet the requirements of the customers.
• Driving the value optimization process related to services, raw and packaging materials, and processes in conjunction with the relevant departments.
• Compiling/checking/approving product specifications, recipes & labelling, and doing formal production handovers in conjunction with the technical department.
• All stages of the development process are to be followed and filed meticulously in conjunction with the technical department.

This procedure involves:

• BRC compliance
• Recipe development and tastings
• Kitchen trials, travel tests, and production trials
• Raw material costings
• Supplier interaction
• Implementation of production trials and batches
• Artwork & label approvals
• Generate and maintain specifications.
• Printing signoffs
• Working with suppliers and customers on quality issues and new products ideas
• Managing and executing all stages of the Product Development process within given deadlines to ensure the product is launched on time, the detail recorded is accurate and the product meets customer requirements.
• Ensuring the product conforms to country-specific regulations on product and packaging.
• Technical support and problem-solving to both Quality Department and sales teams alike
• Ensuring NPD compliance with changing or amended certification requirements.
• Liaison between customer and internal operational departments on all new projects to ensure effective and on-time product launches.
• Reporting back on project status to management on a weekly basis
• Effective execution of launches through thorough communication, consultation, and involvement of internal departments

Marketing/social media.

• Researching and analyzing target market, competitor’s activities, and industry trends
• Analyzing data and metrics related to sales and customer behaviour to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust the strategies accordingly.
• Developing, implementing, and managing our marketing & social media strategy in alignment with the business goals, objectives, and accuracy according to certification and regulatory requirements
• Managing budgets for various marketing campaigns and initiatives, making sure that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve the desired results.
• Managing and updating the company’s website
• Briefing content production for various channels
• Developing & owning our social media channels including, but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube
• Creating engaging content for social media with external service providers
• Overseeing the work of marketing professionals, including graphic designers, copywriters, and social media specialists.
• Providing guidance, direction, and feedback to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the expected standards.
• Executing the social media elements of larger marketing campaigns
• Being the voice of the company on social media channels
• Day-to-day administration of the brand
• Creation and coordination of presentations and marketing material to support the sales team and the brand.
• Planning and maintaining a yearly, per-campaign, and monthly marketing timeline
• Liaising with various departments within the company to achieve holistic marketing results.
• Continuous communication between management and marketing levels
• Monitoring sales and customer count of online, retail, wholesale, and resellers sales channels to achieve and forecast sales targets.
• Increasing the online presence of the company through Google Ads, Social media advertising, and organic reach by ensuring quality content building and SEO strategy
• Managing the company to customer’s voices through customer complaints, social media, and live chat channels
• Managing relationships with marketing leads, advertising service providers, web support, local institutions, and influencer marketers
• Maintaining consistent branding and messaging across all marketing channels, including print, digital, and social media.
• Representing the company at trade fairs
• Developing and executing branding strategies for trade fairs
• Reporting on marketing performance vs spending monthly.
• Quarterly updating the company on what happened and what’s ahead.
• Assisting with any additional ad-hoc and miscellaneous duties, project duties, or company events when required and as prescribed by Management.

Specific Requirements/Additional Information

• Excellent communication skills in English
• Leadership skills
• Strategy Development
• Be creative, proactive, and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Good business sense and a professional manner
• Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, and results orientated.
• Good prioritizing skills, time-management skills, and a systematic way of working
• Person of high integrity
• Ability to professionally present information to top management
• Accuracy and attention to detail essential
• Customer-focused.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Having a proactive and self-driven work ethic