Manager, Innovation and Product Technical Services

The Manager, Innovation and Product Technical Services is responsible for driving innovation and providing technical support for product development, packaging renovation and product technical specifications

This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and a keen understanding of market trends and customer needs. The Manager will lead a team focused on enhancing product offerings, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering exceptional product quality and performance.

Key Accountabilities

1. Innovation Leadership:
• Lead the innovation strategy, identifying opportunities for new product development and enhancements to existing offerings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, Production, Procurement, and Planning to conceptualize and bring innovative products to market.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
2. Product Technical Services:
• Provide technical expertise and support to internal teams and customers, including product specifications, application guidance, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including product datasheets, manuals, and documentation that conforms to NFM quality and food safety requirements, to support sales and marketing efforts.
• Collaborate with Technical Extension Services to create and execute product training sessions for sales teams, distributors, and customers to ensure a deep understanding of product features and benefits.
• Leads conducting of comparative product tests and analyses of competitive products to aid in product improvement and ensures product delivers highest quality and performance.
3. Project Management:
• Manage projects related to new product development, product launches, and technical initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and timelines, and drive execution through effective communication and collaboration.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes.
4. Customer Engagement:
• Supports Technical Extension Services as part of the technical liaison between the organization and industrial customers for new product initiatives, addressing inquiries, resolving technical issues, and gathering feedback to inform product improvements.
• Build strong relationships with key industrial customers and stakeholders, understanding their needs and preferences to drive product innovation and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Technical Extension teams to develop technical sales materials, presentations, and demonstrations to support customer engagement activities.
5. Team Leadership and Development:
• Lead and mentor a team of technical professionals, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Set clear goals and expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to drive individual and team success.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing within the team and across the organization.