R&D Manager: Culinary

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
The R&D Manager for Culinary will manage the Product & Packaging Technologists to ensure the successful development and launch of good quality and cost-effective product. You bring deep product knowledge and understanding to develop, and get the most out of, your team. You will be responsible for translating the marketing NPD Brief into product specifications, working with Supply Chain to design for manufacture, carrying out research in order to advise marketing on global trends and local preferences. In addition, you will look to re-engineer existing products to improve profitability and quality
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Assess the feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief, and design the specifications and plans to implement. Develop products in agreement with the project team and in line with the NPD brief.
Re-engineer existing products to drive manufacturing value or to ensure market relevance
Carry out Value Analysis as per project protocol (actual costs saved) whilst maintaining or enhancing product profile, shelf life or customer experience
Hitting strategic growth targets for innovation in line with the business unit expectations (e.g. sales growth of xx%)
Work with Category (National and International) to develop products from concept, and help to develop new ideas based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and suppliers
Management of the pilot/testing facilities, where applicable
Work with Supply Chain to scope, design, and source new technologies required to support the upstream innovation pipeline
Oversee and manage development of new products from third party suppliers
Own the product recipe, and work with Supply Chain to evaluate, manage, and approve the transition to a different raw material or manufacturing process
§Adhere to budget and spend guidelines agreed with R&D Portfolio Director
Validate the successful transition from NPD product into Supply Chain end product ensuring that it meets all requirements (e.g. Design Specifications, Design Quality Objective) and delights the customer
Research and understand global market trends through desktop initiatives, customer meetings, and advise Marketing
Drive the Sustainability agenda through products looking for savings within design and process
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
Key attributes and competencies
Technical Knowledge – knowledge of the science and technology behind developing a new product
Leadership – ability to inspire and develop your team
Teamwork– ability to work enable your team to work well together and across functional disciplines
Clear communication – ability to clearly articulate project goals, status, and challenges as well as managing stakeholder expectations
Problem-solving and analysis – proactively identify and mitigate potential risks
Delivery Driven – ability to prioritise and manage conflicting demands of you and your team
Awareness of the consumer market – ensuring innovation is relevant and compelling
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE
Experience
A minimum of 5 years leading product development teams in FMCG
Proven track record of innovation delivery (successful product launches)
BTEC/BSC in Science, Tech., Eng. or equivalent
WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON
Number of sales from innovation
On time project delivery
Number of new products
Savings through value engineering
Adhering to agreed budget
People development and initiatives
Savings from Sustainability
NB The Role will report into the Operations Director
In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.