ANZ Product Developer _ AFC _ IPC

Position Description:

The Product Developer is responsible for the identification, evaluation and implementation of new or modified product features to Feminine Care Brands.This includes developing a product concept from its formative stages into a viable product alternative. Once a product alternative or feature has been approved, the developer will work with a multifunctional team to refine and implement the process, material, and equipment upgrades required to produce the product in a cost effective, controlled manner.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

Implement Product Innovations

Provide the technical skills required to investigate specific product and process requirements and recommend and implement appropriate action by keeping abreast of innovations, developments and technology related to the industry.

Drive Competitive Advantage

Identify product improvement opportunities in order to deliver or improve competitive advantage to KCA brands. The primary focus is on developing marketable product features but the scope will extend to quality and cost saving initiatives. Through research and working directly with consumers, develop an understanding of consumer unmet needs and address deficiencies through improvements to the product. To this end, close collaboration with Marketing and Market Research is required.

Manage Product Specification, Bill of Materials & Product Cost

Prepare and maintain the Product Specification and Drawings, Bill of Materials and Product Costing for products currently in production and also preliminary specifications for product innovation. Support Mill Quality and Production through product changes and start-ups by providing product advice and support on the nappy machines.

Support mill quality & process requirements

Provide expert technical support to achieve Continuous Improvement in product quality and processing.

Leadership Competencies / Qualifications

- Degree in Science and/or Engineering

- +7 years of experience in R&D innovation. Professional background in product development

- Ability to resolve complex problems and translate market observations to business opportunities.

- Experience in building innovation pathways cost effectively with end user target and growth in mind.

- Financial and commercial understanding of market dynamics, P&L and how to build and evaluate business cases.

- Experience in transition consumer researches (C&U, CUT, HUT…) into innovation solutions and product optimization.

- Strong capability to make decision and to drive for clear decisions and actions. Analytical and fact-based decision-making skills with strong intuition, be able to “connect the dots” and be comfortable dealing with ambiguity.

- Highly developed collaboration skills with an ability to work and influence across a matrix organization, influencing peers, other functions with credibility and strong business leadership