PRODUCT DEVELOPER - HORTICULTURE (CUT FLOWERS / PLANTS) - CAPE TOWN

A Creative with high standards of quality, and high attention to detail does this describe you? This great opportunity could be your next

As a Product Developer in a world-class Food and Horticulture retailer, you will execute our customer-centric product strategy. Your key focus will be to develop and deliver innovative commercially viable product solutions that are anchored in quality and sustainability; and influence the way our business flourishes with purpose. You will guide and motivate teams and key stakeholders, to collaboratively deliver a customer-centric product strategy.

• Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans for the relevant department(s):
  • Understand the retail competitor market & customer need states to meet and exceed expectations.
  • Apply customer & trends insights into product development briefs for suppliers.
  • Dissect/Apply market research and trend analysis to identify opportunities for product innovation.
  • Drive and maintain a world-class sustainable product and packaging standard and framework:
  • Integrate with Central Quality & Suppliers to conduct and analyse comparative and directional benchmarking and translate outcomes into product plans where applicable.
• Display a clear understanding of Horticulture, Floriculture, Botany, or a related field.
• Proven experience in floral product development or a similar role in the retail or horticulture industry.
• Inspire and influence the product teams and key stakeholders to deliver industry leadership positions:
  • Collaboratively and inclusively integrate with key stakeholders in achieving key product development milestones, ensuring a commercial and sustainability lens is considered at all times.
  • Keen eye for design, and a passion for developing innovative floral products that meet customer expectations and market trends.
  • Timeously achieve milestones by consistently encouraging and aligning quality outputs.
• Amplify and embody an environment of creativity, growth, knowledge and empowerment:
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality, setting a high standard for the team to follow.
  • Understand and actively share horticulture and technical product knowledge with suppliers, matrix, and PD teams.
  • Familiarity with seasonal trends and consumer preferences in the floral market.
• Drive, integrate, and own product development processes and supporting systems:
  • Ensure alignment and integration with the Packaging Support Specialist to ensure packaging is considered throughout the development process.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of plant care, floral design, post-harvest handling and how products are developed / curated from conceptualisation to post-launch on shelf, including production processes within our supplier base.

• Relevant Degree/ Diploma/ Qualification in horticulture, agriculture, retail, or product development.
• 3-5 years' experience in the Horticulture industry or relevant industry experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years experience in Product development, Horticulture, Retail or FMCG.
• Experience of working cross functionally or within a matrix organization.
• Courses & experience within the field of brand management, product ranging, and development.
• Demonstrate strategic intent and holistic approach.
• Commercial Acumen, with the ability to balance Creativity & Business Objectives
• Strong Cross Functional collaboration and communication skills
• Customer Centric
• Project Management skills
• Confident and Passionate Ambassador
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Product Expertise in gifting
• Innovation Mindset
• Retail & Related Industry Knowledge
• Data Intelligence skills
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.

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