New Product Development and Innovation ManagerRialto City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaPosition: New Product Development and Innovation Manager: Food ServicesReporting to: National Commercial Head – Food ServicesWe are seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking NPD and Innovation Manager to join our team and collaborate with the Food Services Commercial Management and Company NPD and Innovation Teams. This pivotal role is essential for managing and nurturing client relationships to drive solution-driven, organic sales growth in the business and achieve long-term company objectives.You will be at the forefront of delivering innovative product and service offerings to our entire food services customer base across all channels. As the subject matter expert, you will play a critical role in enhancing our product and service offerings to customers.If you are a proactive and results-oriented professional with a passion for food, innovation and client relationship management, we invite you to apply. Join us and contribute to our goals of excellence, innovation and sustainable growth in the food services channel.Key Job FunctionsKey Account Management: Develop and maintain strategic long-term trusting relationships with high volume clients to accomplish organic growth and long-term company objectives.Channel Expansion: Identify and onboard new channel partners to expand market reach.Category Growth: Develop sustainable growth of existing categories within Food Service as well as develop new category opportunities in line with growing trends and Food Service insights.Compliance: Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures in all channel partner activities.Industry Knowledge: Maintain a thorough understanding of the company's products, services, and industry trends.Menu Development: Collaborate with Chefs and relevant stakeholders to create new menus and improve existing menus, and food offerings across diverse channels and categories.Client Meetings – Tailor Innovation Solutions: Engage with clients to understand and document their specific needs and preferences.Project Management: Manage new production development launches and spearhead innovative interventions and initiatives.Customer Service: Handle customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly.Channel Partner Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to increase sales and revenue through various distribution channels.Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with customers, chefs and internal NPD and Commercial role-players to launch new products or menus.Relationship Management: Manage relationships with channel partners to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction.Training and Support: Provide training and support to channel partners.Review Channel Performance: Conduct regular reviews with channel partners to identify areas for improvement and growth.Market and Competitor Analysis: Collect and analyze market and competitor data.Market Research: Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and consumer insights studies.Product Knowledge: Maintain a thorough understanding of the company's products, services, and industry trends.Pricing Tactics: Review competitor pricing tactics.Opportunity Identification: Identify new opportunities within a channel that could increase sales.Knowledge and Experience RequiredEducation: Typically required to have a BSC or Food Culinary or Chef Qualification.Experience: Work experience as a Catering Manager, Restaurant Manager, or Chef or similar role.Menu Creation: Hands-on experience with creating menus and menu items.Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management skills.Customer Service: Customer service attitude.Decision Making: Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions under stressful circumstances.Flexibility: Flexibility to work during weekends and holidays.Certification: Certification in hospitality or culinary management is a distinct advantage.Understanding of the sales process and dynamics.A commitment to excellent customer service.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Superb interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly build rapport with both customers and suppliers.Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.Able to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.Person Profile, Skills, and AttitudeHigh personal standards and a hard worker.Ability to work effectively with a team.Strong numerical and analytical skills.Strong Communication Skills.Strong Problem-Solving Ability.Ability to work on own initiative, prioritize work and handle a pressurized working environment.Continuous improvement approach to work.Adapting to Change.Analyzing and Reporting.Interpersonal Relations.Drive innovation.Please note that you may on occasion be required to perform tasks that are not part of your normal daily duties but may be necessary due to the operational requirements of the Company.Please e-mail ****** your CV summarizing your qualifications and previous experience; with a motivation highlighting why you should be considered for the position.Note: Preference will be given to EE candidates in line with the Company's employment equity plan and BBBEE strategy.Submission Deadline: Close of Business on Tuesday, 27 August 2024Seniority levelEntry levelEmployment typeFull-timeIndustriesFood & Beverages
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