Product Development Manager (Food & Beverage)

About the role

• Identify and evaluate emerging food and beverage trends, consumer preferences, and market opportunities to inform product development strategies

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept through to commercialisation, ensuring quality, compliance, and profitability standards are met

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform product positioning and identify gaps in the current product range

• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders to develop product specifications and prototypes that meet brand standards and consumer expectations

• Manage product testing, sampling programmes and gather feedback from key customer groups and focus groups

• Negotiate terms, pricing, and volume commitments with suppliers and manufacturers to optimise cost and quality

• Create comprehensive product briefs and launch documentation for internal teams including marketing, merchandising, and operations

• Monitor product performance post-launch, including sales data and customer feedback, and make recommendations for improvements or discontinuation

• Ensure all products comply with relevant food safety regulations, labelling requirements, and local legislation in Indonesia and where applicable

• Prepare regular reports and presentations on product development activities, pipeline status, and market insights for senior management

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related discipline

• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, buying, or procurement within the food and beverage industry

• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching food and beverage products from concept to market

• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, compliance requirements, and quality assurance standards in Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia

• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills with the ability to build strong working relationships

• Proficiency in market research methodologies, consumer insights analysis, and data interpretation

• Exceptional project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple product development initiatives simultaneously

• Strong communication and presentation skills in both English and Indonesian, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail

• Experience working within the retail or FMCG sector is highly desirable

• Familiarity with product costing, margin analysis, and financial planning is advantageous