Product Developer (FMCG)

PRODUCT DEVELOPER

Department: Product
Reports to: Sr. Product Manager
Level: Established Product Professional (not junior)

PURPOSE

To independently execute end-to-end product development with precision, ensuring products are consumer-relevant, commercially viable, technically achievable, compliant and delivered to specification, target cost and agreed timeline.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Commercial Product Development

· Work closely with our commercial team to understand customer requirements and develop products to requested spec, target CPA and cost from the outset.

• Deeply understand margin and quality implications of product and sourcing choices.
• Value-engineer intelligently rather than simply removing value.
• Benchmark competitor products, retail landscape, price architecture and consumer value.

Technical & Product Excellence

• Own complete and accurate product specifications.
• Understand relevant materials, manufacturing processes and product risks.
• Work closely with the compliance team to understand regulatory, testing and safety requirements early in the development process, using these insights to make informed design, material and construction decisions that minimise product risk and avoid unnecessary technical costs.
• Ensure exemplary record keeping and product sample management.

End-to-End Product Ownership

• Work closely with our Project Management team to ensure on time delivery and own development milestones for all assigned products. Identifying delays, feasibility issues and risks early.
• Own assigned products from development brief through final product sign-off.
• Translate category direction into executable products.
• Own detailed specifications and development requirements.
• Ensure all assigned products are signed off in line with agreed timelines and specifications.

Suppler Relationship/ Partnership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Asia Merchandising team/global suppliers/manufacturing partners
• Provide our Asia Merchandising Team & suppliers with clear product intent, specifications, quality requirements and commercial parameters throughout the product development process.
• Collaborate with Asia Merchandising Team and directly with suppliers on materials, construction methods, innovation opportunities and cost optimisation.
• Challenge proposed supplier solutions where product integrity, quality, functionality or consumer value may be compromised.
• Balance commercial, technical and manufacturing considerations when adapting products to meet cost or production requirements.
• Drive clear communication, accountability and timely resolution of development issues across the global supply base.
• Coordinate sample rounds and make informed development decisions.

Innovation & Creative Partnership

• Translate innovation plans into strong tender briefs.
• Ensure visual product development remains technically and commercially deliverable.
• Deliver licensed products to required specifications, meeting licensor requirements first time.

Other

• Coach junior team members, sharing knowledge across categories and customers and act as a role model for what ‘good looks like’.
• Be an advocate for process, upholding product development processes, documentation, and standards across the team.
• Ensure accurate use of product systems, trackers, and databases.

KEY INTERFACES

Your critical connections — who you collaborate with across the business.

Function

Purpose of Collaboration

• Commercial
• Align on tender product specs, samples, commercial offering
• Creative Design
• Ensure product and packaging meet spec requirements and manufacturing limitations
• Project Management
• Deliver live orders to project CPAs
• Supply Base/Merch
• Sourcing and developing product, optimising costs
• Compliance
• Develop safe and compliance products

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Product development deadlines met
• Product signed off to specification.
• Target cost achievement.
• First-time specification accuracy.
• Sample iteration/rework rate.
• Compliance/readiness success.
• Quality of handover downstream.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

· 3+ years’ experience in a consumer goods product management, category management or product development role.

· Commercially aware with a strong customer-first mindset.

· Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Highly organ…