Overview Working closely with the BU and cross functional teams, this role focuses on co-ordinating the innovation and new product development initiatives – developing and executing against the overall project timeline milestones. Understanding of product lead times, production constraints and required stock build is key to success. Responsibilities • Build and maintain innovation timeline with inputs from broader project team, holding cross-functional team members accountable for on-time delivery of their tasks to ensure key milestones are achieved • Follow up on innovations / transitions progress (dates, volumes and write offs) leading the Monthly Project Alignment Meeting • Ensure that the innovation pipeline is executed according to plan, coordinating all participants in the process • Ensure availability of master data for innovations (for raw, pack and finished goods codes) • Plan the consumption / run-down of inventory of raw, pack and finished goods code that will be de-listed • Collaborate with Portfolio, Innovations and category planners to minimize obsolescence and improve fulfillment (Service) • Analyse and enhance the innovation process to simplify and reduce the launch time • Work with the commercial team to evaluate the performance of the innovations launched • Key input to Pass/ Fail at gate 4 Qualifications • University degree, preferably in the area of Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering or equivalent experience • Knowledge of Planning (Demand, Production/Distribution and Material Planning processes)• Effective time management skills • Excellent communication skills • Ability to work independently in a multi-task environment • Application of Supply chain principles with extensive knowledge in MRP & Production planning • Skills in query/reporting tools , spreadsheet applications and presentations • Problem solving know-how • Team oriented and collaborative