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Manager R&D

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Research & Development
    Product
  • Melbourne

AI generated summary

  • You need a relevant degree, 5+ years in food R&D, team management experience, ingredient knowledge, and strong understanding of FSANZ, HACCP, and manufacturing processes.
  • You will lead product development, manage a team, oversee recipe creation and trials, collaborate with teams, drive new concepts to market, and coach direct reports for high performance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in Food Science or other related Science disciplines.
  • Minimum 5 years of technical and professional research & development experience in consumer goods, preferably in food.
  • Experience managing a team of product developers.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, commercially-driven food company.
  • Hands-on approach, motivated to engage in bench and factory trials where required.
  • Strong ingredient knowledge in area of batter and coatings technology for different reconstitution methods.
  • Ability to interpret FSANZ standards and internal policies (e.g. nutrition) and incorporate into product design.
  • Mechanical / operational aptitude to understand implications of product design
  • Experience in product performance and stewardship is desirable.
  • General knowledge of manufacturing processes and experience of working in this environment.
  • Capacity to plan, organize and manage multiple priorities.
  • Deep knowledge of food safety and HACCP processes. Experience enabling functional compliance with relevant Acts/ Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and implement product development strategies from concept to commercial production.
  • Manage and mentor a team focused on delivering product innovation and renovation projects.
  • Oversee the entire product development process, including recipe creation, trials, and factory validation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of the innovation pipeline.
  • Drive the development of new product concepts into market-ready propositions.
  • Coach and support direct reports, fostering high performance and engagement within the team.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Manager R&D.

What is the location of the position?

The position can be based in either Melbourne or Ballarat, with travel required to different sites.

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary full-time position with a 2-year fixed-term contract.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Science or other related Science disciplines is required, along with a minimum of 5 years of technical and professional research & development experience in consumer goods, preferably in food.

What are the main responsibilities of the R&D Manager?

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading and executing the development of new products, managing and mentoring a team, overseeing the product development process, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving product concepts into market-ready propositions.

What kind of experience is preferred for this role?

Experience managing a team of product developers and working in a fast-paced, commercially-driven food company is preferred.

What skills are important for this position?

Important skills include strong ingredient knowledge in batter and coatings technology, the ability to interpret FSANZ standards, mechanical and operational aptitude, knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity to manage multiple priorities, and deep knowledge of food safety and HACCP processes.

Does McCain have a commitment to diversity and inclusion?

Yes, McCain Foods is committed to ensuring a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace.

What leadership principles does McCain value?

McCain values principles including being customer obsessed, thinking big and planning ahead, bringing out the best in their people, and acting like owners.

Will training be provided for new employees?

Yes, the company is committed to helping employees fulfill their potential and will provide opportunities for learning and growth.

Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food

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Employees
1957
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Mission & Purpose

At McCain Foods we know the importance that food plays in people's lives - the power it has to uplift and bring people, families, businesses and communities together. Guided by our purpose - Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food - we believe that working together with our teams, business and community partners will bring sustainable growth and positive change - today, tomorrow and for generations to come. As a privately owned family company with over 65 years of experience, a presence in over 160 countries and a global team of 20,000+ people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. Our product quality, people and customer dedication help us achieve global sales in excess of CDN $11 billion. Through our investment and innovation, we continue to be a global leader in prepared potato products, including our famous French Fries and appetizers. We are passionate about supporting and developing our people-providing opportunities to grow and learn in their roles, as well as building careers for the long term.