Product Development Manager

On behalf of our client, a leading organization dedicated to driving impact in public health, we are looking for a visionary and technically adept leader to spearhead product development efforts across a diverse portfolio of public health products. This includes vector control solutions, sanitation & disinfection products, water treatment, diagnostics, emergency kits, and support tools. The role demands a strategic agile mindset, innovation, solid regulatory know-how, and a heart for public health impact. Key Responsibilities 1. Product Strategy & Innovation Lead ideation and strategic planning across product categories including:Vector Control (e.g., insecticides, larvicides, LLINs) Sanitation & Disinfection (e.g., Surface disinfectants, hand rubs, water purification) Diagnostics & Support Tools (e.g., RDT kits, hygiene kits, repellent products) Emergency Health Kits (e.g., vector control kits, ORS/emergency packs) Analyze unmet needs in public health systems and propose innovative solutions tailored to Côte d’Ivoire and regional requirements. 2. Regulatory & Quality Compliance Manage product registration and approvals with Ivorian regulatory authorities (e.g., ANADER, Ministry of Health) and align with WHO Prequalification standards where applicable. Ensure robust documentation and compliance with health & safety standards, labeling, and country-specific guidelines. Monitor updates in regulatory and WHO PQ requirements to keep the portfolio compliant and current. 3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Development Interface with R&D, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to drive formulation development, pilot production, and scale-up. Establish feedback loops with Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service for market-specific insights and adaptation. Manage relationships with external technical partners (e.g., labs, universities, WHO trainers) to enhance innovation and ensure technical excellence. 4. Portfolio Management & Product Lifecycle Oversee the product lifecycle from concept validation to market launch and post-launch evaluation. Conduct cost–benefit analyses, value engineering, and performance benchmarking. Implement product optimization strategies to maintain competitiveness and affordability in public health tenders. 5. Project Leadership & Budgeting Lead cross-functional, multi-category development projects with clear milestones and KPIs. Prepare and manage budgets for R&D and product innovation initiatives. Oversee timelines and deliverables to ensure objectives are met on schedule and within budget. 6. Capacity Building & Team Leadership Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team focused on product research, formulation, and innovation. Conduct internal training sessions on emerging technologies, PQ updates, and global best practices. 7. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation Present product pipelines and technical strategies at nationally or regionally focused forums, and liaise with public health agencies, NGOs, and donors. Collaborate with WHO and NGO programs to align product development with broader public health goals and funding cycles. Qualifications & Experience Education Master’s (preferred) or Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field. Experience Minimum 10–12 years of product development or technical management experience in public health products, ideally across Africa or Francophone West Africa. Proven track record in delivering products such as insecticides, diagnostics, disinfectants, and RDTs with demonstrated understanding of WHO PQ processes and regulatory environments. Experience managing product development pipelines and collaborative innovation projects. Skills & Traits Fluent in French with strong English proficiency. Solid comprehension of Côte d’Ivoire’s regulatory landscape, including health authorization and tender processes. Strong technical acumen in formulation, life-cycle management, and cost optimization. Excellent project management and cross-functional leadership skills. Creativity, adaptability, and passion for improving health outcomes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proactive & results-driven, with the ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team. Ability to adapt to fast-changing market conditions and customer needs. Attention to detail and a high standard of professionalism and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.