Reporting to:  NPD and Innovation Manager

Location:  Montague Gardens, Western Cape

Purpose of the Role

The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration, coordination, tracking and visibility of the new product development pipeline across both foodservice and retail channels.

This role ensures that all project documentation, trackers, critical paths, and project records are accurate, current, and well maintained. The Project Manager acts as the central point of coordination between NPD, Planning, Technical, Commercial, and Marketing teams to ensure projects progress according to agreed timelines.

Key Job Functions

Project Management and Tracking

• Set up, maintain, and update a critical path analysis (CPA) for each NPD project, clearly outlining each project stage, owner, action, and due date.
• Follow up with relevant stakeholders to ensure actions are completed in line with agreed timelines.
• Maintain the master NPD tracker as the single, accurate record of all project statuses across foodservice and retail channels.
• Keep all project documentation organised, and accurate, including logistics, specification sheets, costings, and related project documents.
• Maintain a clear and accessible filing and record-keeping system to ensure all project information is easily retrievable.
• Prepare project status updates for review meetings, including progress reports, outstanding actions, post-launch summaries, and a forward view of scheduled projects.
• Act as the day-to-day point of contact across departments by following up on outstanding actions, scheduling meetings, circulating notes, and maintaining action lists.
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are clear on their responsibilities, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Manage the receipt and dispatch of product samples, arrange tastings, record and circulate feedback, and track sample stock and movement.

Knowledge and Experience required:

• Previous administrative or project management experience, preferably within the FMCG, foodservice, retail, or food manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of the new product development process and critical path/timeline management.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, with competence in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with product specifications, compliance documentation, and certification requirements would be advantageous.
• Basic understanding of FMCG financial measures, including costings, margins, and pricing, would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow up effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A food science or food technology background is an advantage but not essential.

Personal Profle, Skils and Attitude:

• Champion for Good
• Team Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Numerical & Analytical Ability
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Capability
• Proactive Mindset
• Independence & Resilience Under Pressure

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, 15 July 2025