Overview: Product Development Manager (UG)

As our Product Development Manager in Uganda, you will be responsible for the product development planning and execution including: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product laboratory vision, and working closely with product development team, sales, marketing and support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met. The Product Development Manager’s job will also include ensuring that the product development department supports the company’s overall strategy and goals.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for innovating and commercialising new products/technology and contributing to the long term growth of the PDT.
• Lead the researching, development and conception of new products, high-level monitoring and management of products.
• Lead and manage a team of product specialists/technologists to constantly innovate the product and process technology.
• Evaluate technical feasibility of product development process and assist with design optimization.
• Taking charge of the product lab, that will be responsible for  new product development formula development / testing, packaging development and sourcing of suppliers/materials.
• Create & manage product specifications. Includes requesting product specifications and other technical documentation from suppliers, creating internal specifications, and reviewing & approving any updates to current product specifications.
• Keep abreast of emerging markets trends and technology advancement, selection of new ingredients and product design.
• Ensure formulated recipes are in line with Field Better target accounts.
• Act as the primary technical & regulatory resource for internal & external customers; advising on potential product attributes for new product concepts.
•  Searching new regulations, manufacturing capabilities, legal compliance, and tracking food industry trends.
• All other responsibilities within reasonable scope.

Ideal candidates are:

• Highly creative with a hunger for innovation and are natural-born problem solvers.
• Motivated by a passion to make the world a better place and love to take on challenges.
• Servant leaders who help to build the team and take on whatever role is necessary.
• Eager to learn and thrive in the fast-paced “fail fast, fail often” startup culture we embody.
• Collaborative in a highly diverse and global team and can work independently when remote.
• Critical and strategic thinkers with strong decision-making skills.
• Empathetic and patient, knowing no task is below them.
• Strong team players, knowing teamwork is necessary and that each role supports the other.

Requirements:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Process Technology or equivalent.
• Minimum 7-10 years of production or QC experience in the F&B industry.
• Knowledge of HACCP, quality concepts and technical knowledge in food processing is an advantage.
• Sampling, food safety, quality assurance, product formulations, business operations experience.
• Strong interest in Product and Process development.
• Good communication skills (both written and oral); good command of English is favorable.
• Demonstrated compassion and empathy, strong work ethic and unimpeachable integrity.
• Readiness and ability to regularly perform under pressure and within short timeframes.
• Readiness to travel anywhere in Kenya under short notices and occasionally work odd hours.
• Excellent working knowledge of computer applications, especially google drive and spreadsheets.

Instructions: