Product Development Manager

Job Overview:

The Product Development Manager will be responsible for driving innovation and product development within our coconut product range, focusing on creating new and improved products for the export market. This role encompasses the entire product lifecycle from concept generation and formulation to process development, quality assurance, and launch support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, a passion for product innovation, and a deep understanding of food industry trends and export market requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. New Product Development & Product Improvement:

• Lead the development of new and innovative coconut-based beverage and food products, including but not limited to: coconut milk, coconut water, and virgin coconut oil.
• Continuously improve existing product formulations to enhance product quality, cost-effectiveness, and consumer appeal.
• Stay abreast of consumer trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies in the food and beverage industry, particularly within the coconut and health & wellness sectors, to identify new product opportunities.
• Resolve issues related to product formulation and processing, working closely with the Quality team.

2. Product Design & Specification Development:

• Develop detailed product specifications, including raw material requirements, formulations, processing parameters, packaging specifications, and quality control standards.
• Select and evaluate raw materials and ingredients to ensure product quality, functionality, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create product prototypes that meet consumer needs, quality standards, and regulatory requirements, considering factors such as taste, texture, appearance, shelf-life, and functionality.

3. Project Management & Cross-functional Coordination:

• Develop and manage product development project plans.
• Coordinate and collaborate effectively to ensure smooth product development and launch processes.
• Prepare and present project updates and reports to management and relevant stakeholders

4. Technical Support:

• Provide technical support to the Quality Assurance team to address quality issues.
• Respond to customer technical inquiries and requirements, providing product information and technical solutions.

5. Strategic Input & Consultation:

• Consult with senior management on new product opportunities and strategic product development directions.
• Contribute to the development of the company's product development strategy and innovation roadmap.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product development within the food and beverage industry, preferably with experience in coconut products, beverages, or related food categories.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food or beverage products, ideally for export markets.
• Experience working with coconut products.
• Knowledge of specific processing technologies for coconut products (UHT Process, virgin coconut oil extraction).

Our Purpose is to “be the change for good food and a healthy future”. At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.