Product Manager - Food And Beverage Manufacturing

SUMMARY:
A well-established manufacturing and distribution food and beverage company requires the above to be responsible for managing and overseeing all international suppliers in order to supply food ingredient products for customers within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role:

• A BSc or national diploma in food science or a related qualification is preferred for the role.
• Previous product management experience having worked within the food and beverage industry is preferred for this role.
• Previous experience having worked as a product manager managing international principals within the food and beverage or related chemical raw material industry is essential for the role.
• The company is also happy to consider a product manager from either the personal care or pharma or related markets to work within the food and beverage industry.
• Syspro or SAP experience would be an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing complex customer relationships and key accounts. ​

• Managing and overseeing all international suppliers in order to supply food ingredient products for customers within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
• Responsible for the strategic management of all aspects of food ingredients for the customer portfolio.
• Defining the product strategy, managing a portfolio of key accounts, managing international suppliers and accompanying the sales team when visiting customers.
• Managing and strategically growing the portfolio of food and beverage ingredients, into the Southern African markets.
• Growing the portfolio year on year in terms of volume, revenue, and margins.
• Identifying new market and product opportunities and identify new or alternative suppliers.
• Handling multi-level relationships and price negotiations at customers and negotiate sales contracts with customers.
• Preparing annual sales budget, monthly forecasts, and monthly sales reports and quarterly business reviews.
• Providing timely reports and information as required by management.
• Managing relationships with suppliers, negotiating volumes, prices, and contracts within budgetary guidelines to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of raw materials.
• Working closely with sales, marketing, R&D, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and alignment with overall business objectives.
• Optimising stock levels, manage slow-moving items, and address obsolete inventory to maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensuring all products meet rigorous quality standards and comply with industry regulations.