Responsibilities:

Develop and execute the Product Development strategy for new and existing product ranges
Optimise product cost and improve the product quality both internally and in conjunction with external suppliers
Monitor team projects / activities to achieve strategic objectives
Perform evaluations of new materials and suppliers
Management of the Engineering Change Process
Lead projects with multidisciplinary teams
Conduct FMEA studies and address issues raised
Develop test methods and perform product testing for approval
Perform and approve initial sample inspection reports (ISIR)
Conduct benchmarking studies
Manage all information, documentation, drawings related to the department in accordance with company policies and ISO 9001 requirements
Manage the thermodynamic test laboratory
Interpret thermodynamics test results and provide solutions for improvement
Provide support to production with product / process / quality / equipment related issues
Keep abreast of regulatory specifications and ensure product compliance
Perform and support the Letter of Authority application process
Familiarity with the following standards is an advantage: ISO 9001, ISO 17025, SANS / IEC 62552, 60335-1 & 60335-2-24
Develop, maintain and improve departmental work standards / procedures
Any other product development and design functions as may be necessary

Financial Responsibilities:

Safety Health and Environment:

People Management:

Lead the Product Development Team to achieve organisational objectives
Determine resource requirements for the function
Compile and update individual development plans and facilitate individual careers
Conduct performance reviews and manage sub-standard performance
Ensure that all employee resources within the Department are optimally utilised
Chair disciplinary inquires
Maintain and encompass the company corporate values

Educational Requirements:

Experience:

5+ years manufacturing environment experience
2+ years at management level or 4+ years leading multidisciplinary teams projects
Experience in People Leadership must have led small teams
Experience in Project Management
Design for manufacturing principles
Lean manufacturing principles
Cost based approach
Apply known problem solving techniques
Ability to work in a unionised environment
Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)
Refrigeration background or an understanding of thermodynamics is an advantage

Behavioural Competencies: