Product Development Executive (Softline)

Primary Objective:
A Procurement and Production Management Executive helps create and improve products by researching trends, choosing materials, testing quality, and ensuring safety. They connect science with consumer needs and work with related teams (Market Strategist, Merchandiser, PQA, PBA...) from concept to production. Their main tasks include research, process development, quality control, and cost analysis to deliver products that are both marketable and profitable.
A Procurement and Production Management Executive takes responsibility for:
• Sales, sales contribution of PB products
• Neire, GP of PB products
• TOD, PA, Loss of PB products
• On-time launching
• Defect/Claim reduction
Key Activities:
• Support evaluate product concepts from Market strategist and Merchandisers for technical feasibility, safety and manufacturability.
• Test and validate raw materials, packaging, and supplier samples to ensure they meet functional, regulatory, and cost requirements.
• Assist in developing prototypes, testing, and conduct sensory or durability evaluations.
• Draft technical specifications, testing protocols, and production guidelines to ensure consistent quality and compliance.
• Technical support for launch & post-launch
Roles and responsibilities:
List in order of importance the major responsibilities of the job and estimate the percentage of time spent on each responsibility (the main function of the job may or may not be the one where the most time is spent).
1. Product design & development (25%)
• Monitor global and local market trends, consumer insights, and competitor innovations to identify opportunities for new product concepts.
• Support the design and development of new product features or improvements under the guidance of the Deputy Manager/Manager.
• Prepare prototypes and samples for internal evaluation and consumer testing.
• Document product design specifications and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
2. Material selection (30%)
• Assist in sourcing and evaluating raw materials, ingredients, and packaging.
• Compare, evaluate, and source raw materials, ingredients, and packaging that meet functional, cost, and sustainability requirements.
• Conduct trials with alternative materials to balance performance, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain supplier documentation and ensure consistency in quality and availability.
3. Testing & Quality control (25%)
• Implement testing protocols for product performance, safety, and sensory attributes (taste, durability, etc.).
• Collect and summarize test results, providing reports for review.
• Analyze test results, recommend modifications, and ensure corrective actions are implemented before launch.
• Evaluate current manufacturing processes and recommend improvements for efficiency, safety, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale prototypes into full production without compromising quality
4. Costing & Budgeting control (10%)
• Calculate production costs by analyzing raw material prices, labor, and manufacturing expenses.
• Track expenses against budget and highlight variances to the Deputy Manager/Manager.
• Contribute data for cost optimization projects.
5. Cross-functional collaboration (10%)
• Coordinate with related teams to provide technical data and reports.
• Act as the technical contact point for routine supplier and production matters.
• Support communication between internal teams and external vendors on assigned projects.