Job Purpose
Manage KWAL intrinsic development strategy and functional unit to execute on the Innovation and Renovation strategic pillars through development of new liquid solutions to briefs; renovation of the existing liquids & leading cross-functional training and execution of best-in-class sensory insights driven approach to product development.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Area 1 – New Product Development
Management of Intrinsic NPD functional unit in alignment with KWAL Strategy to deliver and contribute to sustainable growth through execution of world-class intrinsic development and sensory insight-led solutions
Manage annual NPD OPEX and CAPEX budget requirements as well as maintenance schedules
Move to Competencies and Attributes section
Compile & present reports for EXCO, month-end reporting and business planning/strategy planning
Define NPD KPI’s and address NPD team hurdles to ensure execution of NPD KPI’s OTIF
Analyses situations at both a strategic and operational level. Identifies the key issues, and solutions and makes recommendations on complex problems (risk and mitigation management)
Provide clarity on individual NPD employees’ roles and responsibilities in reference to the established product development and sensory insight frameworks
Embed NPD, Sensory and Innovation Stage Gate frameworks with supportive documentation that is fit for company purpose and drives first-time-right new product development and project management
Move to competencies and attributes section
Cross-functional internal product training on cider; wine; brandy; whisky; vodka and gin to empower employees (sales and non-sales) with knowledge in support of future innovations & consumer education.
Area 2 – Intrinsic Product Development:
Execution of world-class liquid research & development from receipt of brief through to implementation of production documentation for briefed innovations and continuous improvement of existing formulations
Use technical and consumer research experience to support commercial team in formulation of appropriate consumer research design methodology to ensure outputs remain objective and targeted for further Stage Gate approval decision-making
Identification, development, testing and execution of new supplier/ raw material/ formulation changes to support profitability and sustainability pillars
Custodian of accurate product documentation (formulations, specifications, ingredient lists, blending & processing methods, shelf life reports, processing parameters etc)
Risk indication and mitigation proposals during application of intrinsic developments
Area 3 – Innovation
Together with Innovation Manager, manage Front-End Innovation through FEI Garage forums (inputs; workshops; outputs analyzed; reporting and actioning) to inform future KWAL Innovation Strategy.
Continuous trend insights scanning and analyses to identify opportunity gaps for ideation and exploration in support of Innovation Pipeline through SG Process.
Capacity to translate trends, insights and intelligence (market/customer/consumer/competitors) into innovative, cost effective, regulatory compliant, consumer preferred, winning solutions.
Leveraging external networks and ecosystems (and capabilities within) during the ideation process
Rapid prototyping of intrinsic ideas to assess opportunity/viability
Interpersonal/Relationship/competencies and Attributes
Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams
Optimal utilization of external networks and ecosystems (and capabilities within) during the intrinsic product development process.
Continuous close collaboration with procurement, commercial & finance on identifying opportunities for cost engineering to support brand profitability and future resource sustainability.
Collaboration with external Suppliers, Quality, Cellar, Production, Procurement to ensure first-time-right product development execution and adherence to quality requirements & during problem-solving
Close collaboration with respective Distell COE’s to continuously build on capability improvement within KWAL and to standardize operations to global company standards
Change adaptability: Integrate strategic thinking and agility, to improve NPD processes and services
Maintain and continuously up-skill self in terms of R&D technologies, ingredients, competitor activity, insights, innovations, trends and external networks’ capabilities in area of expertise
Drive own development to ensure leadership & EQ skills remain strong to support and motivate teamwork
Continuous skills transfer to team members and cross-functional teams
Actively execute decision making, address and/or highlight hurdles for success, drive effective communication with all key stakeholders relevant and share leanings.
Strong commercial & business acumen
Strong coaching capability to support and motivate team performance
Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated capability to lead change management
Strong Innovative and Strategic thinking skills
Strong financial acumen
Strong presentation skills to multiple levels (cross-function, external & EXCO reports)
Strong understanding of alcoholic beverages, raw materials, product formulation technologies
Positive attitude and willingness and agility to work in a fast-paced team environment
Good understanding of Innovation Stage Gate process and with the required project management principles
Good understanding of sensory science practices and insights as it applies to FMCG
Good understanding of intrinsic manufacturing processes and FMCG value chain
Takes ownership and implement actions
Detail orientated and problem-solving skills
Able to make decisions under pressure and influence/negotiate effectively with stakeholders
Strong communication & interpersonal relationship development skills
Minimum Requirements
Bachelors’ Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Consumer Science, Oenology or related field
Masters Degree in food science is an added advantage
Minimum 8 years’ experience in related field within FMCG
Strong understanding of alcoholic beverages, raw materials, product formulation technologies
Apply via :
myhr.kwal.co.ke
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