Job Description
- We are scaling rapidly and seek a Consumer Insights & NPD Manager to strengthen our innovation and product pipeline.
Role Purpose
- The Consumer Insights & NPD Manager will lead our efforts to research consumer preferences, identify usage occasions, and test new product concepts for market acceptance.
- This role bridges consumer insights with product development, ensuring new products are technically viable, competitively priced, and aligned with market needs.
- The role will work closely with QC, GM, Finance, and Design teams to bring new products to market.
Key Responsibilities
Consumer Insights & Market Testing:
- Research usage occasions e.g., custard, pap, bread and gather feedback from consumers, wholesalers, and factory staff.
- Conduct product acceptance tests and validate price points with consumers to assess purchase intent.
- Meet with customers and distributors to understand preferences on product features, pricing, and packaging.
New Product Development:
- Collaborate with the QC Manager to define ingredient and quality requirements.
- Work with the General Manager to source bulk inputs and pricing.
- Partner with Finance to develop competitive pricing structures.
- Coordinate with the graphic designer on packaging concepts and branding.
- Manage NAFDAC registration and compliance for new products.
- Provide product samples to wholesalers and track performance in the market.
Pipeline Products:
- Support the development and launch of upcoming products: Peanut Powder, Kuli Kuli, Groundnut Oil, Sisi Pelebe, Spicy Peanuts, Flavoured Peanut Puffs, Cheeseballs, and Sugar-coated Peanuts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Food Science, or Consumer Psychology.
- Master’s degree MBA, Consumer Insights, or related is an advantage.
- 4–6 years’ experience in FMCG food & beverages preferred.
- Proven track record in consumer research, product development, or innovation management.
- Experience with consumer testing, focus groups, and market validation.
- Familiarity with NAFDAC processes and FMCG compliance requirements preferred.
- Strong analytical skills to translate consumer data into actionable strategies.
- Understanding of pricing strategy and financial modelling.
- Ability to collaborate across functions QC, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Design.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple product pipelines simultaneously.
