Product Development Manager

Purpose of the Job

This role is designed to Develop products that are market-fit and competitive. Keeps product development within financial constraints while maximizing ROI. Ensures the company stays ahead with continuous innovation. Minimizes risks and ensures products meet industry regulations.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create a comprehensive product development strategy and roadmap with clear timelines, milestones, and priorities.
• Oversee new product development or improvement execution covering technical, financial, and market viability.
• Market research identifying customer needs and trends, as well as competitor analysis, writing competitive analysis reports highlighting strengths and gaps.
• Continuous improvement and innovation give recommendations for process optimization to increase efficiency.
• Working on international projects and understanding chemical industry-specific regulations (such as REACH, OSHA, and EPA), safety standards, and environmental considerations.
• Upscaling products from the laboratory stage to full-scale production while ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Understanding sustainable chemical product development practices, including renewable materials, energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Transferring technologies from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring that the products are scalable and cost-efficient at full production levels.
• Budget management experience, including cost estimation, resource allocation, and understanding the financial aspects of product development.
• Address technical challenges, troubleshoot, and develop creative solutions to improve products or processes.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with marketing, production, and sales, with clear project plans and timelines ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution.

 Qualifications and Experience

• Matric/Grade 12
• National Diploma (Chemistry), BSC (Chemistry) or BTech (Chemistry).
• B.Sc. Hons or MSc in Chemistry or Formulation Science preferred.
• Minimum of 5- 10 years of experience in Research & Development of new products with a demonstrated ability to manage projects or teams.
• Must have a proven track record of managing or leading product development processes from ideation through commercialization.
• Must have strong project management skills.
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of chemical processes, materials, specialty chemicals, and surface chemistry applications.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and interacting with customers.
• Presentation skills.
•  Computer literate in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

Key Competencies

• Research and analysis skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Problem-Solving Skills.
• Communication skills written & verbal – Excellent.
• Attention to detail.
• Team player.
• Time/work Management
• Ability to adapt to new technology, market conditions and customer needs                 
• Strategic thinking.

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