New Product Development Manager
- Gauteng
- Permanent
- Full-time
Reference Number RCL250828-2
Company RCL Foods
Job Title New Product Development Manager
Functions R and D
Job Type Classification Permanent
Location - Town / City Centurion
Location - Province Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa
Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled and innovative NPD Manager to lead the end-to-end development of new and improved food products across our speciality portfolio. This role requires a deep understanding of Woolworths’ product development processes, exceptional project leadership, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, commercially viable products. the purpose is to manage Product Development at the RCL Foods Speciality Factories. To drive the process of planning, coordinating and the implementation of new product development, product quality improvement and cost reduction initiatives,while identifying new opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
- Qualified Chef with a tertiary qualification in New Product Development, Food Science, or Culinary Arts.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in NPD and project management within the prepared food industry.
- Proven experience working with Woolworths is essential.
- Strong knowledge of food ingredients, factory processes, product costing, and mass production techniques.
- Valid Code EB driver’s license.
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word) with strong numerical and verbal aptitude.
- Lead the full NPD lifecycle for Woolworths, QSR, and foodservice clients—from concept through to launch.
- Develop innovative, commercially viable products that meet customer expectations and internal profitability targets.
- Ensure all products are developed to specification, on time, and within budget.
- Oversee product testing, packaging development, and artwork sign-off.
- Maintain accurate documentation of NPD critical paths and development processes.
- Serve as the key liaison for Woolworths, ensuring alignment with their technical, quality, and commercial requirements.
- Present product concepts and prototypes to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal teams (technical, commercial, planning, production) to ensure seamless execution.
- Resolve technical and quality issues in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Conduct post-launch quality reviews and ensure continuous improvement.
- Provide expert insights on food science, ingredient functionality, and production feasibility.
- Identify market trends and initiate category innovation pipelines.
- Optimize development processes to improve speed-to-market and cost efficiency.
- Support strategic alignment through business updates and innovation planning.