Name of Position

Private Label Expert

Key Responsibilities

The Expert’s main general responsibilities are as follows:

• Design a private label (PL) strategy with sustainable supply for food products.
• Define strong and profitable relationship model for producers and the retailer under the PL concept.
• Prepare standards and standard operating procedures (inclusive of quality control and capacity building) for sustainable supply through a PL concept.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

The Expert is required to perform the following tasks:

• Review current activities, policies, and procedures of the retail chain with respect to products and suppliers.
• Consult with retail chain to define its goals and priorities for the PL product line.
• Develop a comprehensive private label strategy, including product selection, branding, packaging, and pricing.
• Develop a guide for establishing and maintaining relationships with producers, pertaining to contract terms, quality requirements, capacity building, and quality assurance.

Planned Outputs

In coordination with the retail chain, the outputs of the mentioned assignment will be:

1. Screening Report: A detailed report evaluating the current activities of the retail chain relevant to developing a PL concept.

2. Private Label Strategy: A comprehensive strategy outlining the retailer's approach to introducing the private label product line. This strategy would include:

• Product selection
• Product sourcing
• Branding guidelines
• Packaging
• Pricing

3. Supplier Relationship Guide: A guide outlining the steps and best practices for establishing and maintaining relationships with PL suppliers (food producers). This guide would cover aspects such as:

• Producer Selection
• Conditions and Quality Requirements
• Contract terms
• Producer orientation and capacity building
• Quality assurance

4. Internal Collaboration Recommendations: Recommendations on how to foster collaboration and seamless integration of PL products within the retail chain's operations. This would involve collaboration with internal teams, including marketing, purchasing, and quality control. The recommendations could include establishing effective communication channels, defining roles and responsibilities, and implementing feedback mechanisms.

Required Level of Effort

Total level of effort is up to 40 working days

Minimum Education Requirement

Relevant university degree in Economics, Management, Supply Chain and/or relevant fields. A master’s degree is advantageous.

Minimum Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of proven experience in developing and implementing private label strategies in the retail industry, preferably in the food sector.
• Knowledge of the Kosovo retail market.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze market data, identify opportunities, and make data-driven decisions.
• Project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with quality control processes and standards in the food industry.

Period of Performance

1 September – 10 December 2023

Supervisor(s)

Food Processing Sector Lead at USAID Compete,

Reporting

The Expert is required to provide a thorough report, as required in the Outputs section above. This document will be approved by both USAID Kosovo Compete Activity and the retail chain.