Head - New Product Development - Food Industry

Our client of substantial size in the foods industry has identified new product innovation as a key enabler for future growth, both in the local markets that they serve and the exports markets of Africa that are catered to. This brings about the need to have a senior professional join the leadership team who can develop the medium and long-term strategy for innovation keeping the consumer base in mind.

While the position is highly strategic in nature, the initial few months would be spent in bringing up to speed the current process and procedures to deliver to business-aligned goals. Working closely with other heads of functions you would lead an exhaustive study on harmonizing and rationalizing the current portfolio, aim to take advantage of the low hanging opportunities, build a plan for the pipeline for future product innovations, aggressively look into the operational aspects of QA and operational needs that need to be upgraded to international standards. Quality Assurance, Regulatory affairs would come under your wing.

Ideally, a career mix of starting from production to R&D and leading the department currently would be preferred. Prior experience in food/ savory /dairy would be highly preferred.

Exciting opportunity with a large canvas to paint on, requires the ability to work with functional heads and senior leadership team to redefine and deliver on growth plans. You should have a track record in driving a culture change and transformation in any of your previous assignments.

Shortlisted candidates would be contacted with more information on role/ company etc.