Product Development Technologist (12-month contract)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated; Palmwoods; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McCormick & Company, Incorporated in Palmwoods, Queensland, is seeking a proactive Product Development Technologist for a 12-month contract. You will join our R&D team to drive new product development and improvements, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver outcomes that meet customer and business requirements.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in Product Development, R&D, or Food Technology within FMCG, with strong bench development, trial experience, and a disciplined,

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in Product Development, R&D, or Food Technology in FMCG.
• Strong bench development and product trial experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and methodical approach.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with cross-functional teams including Regulatory, Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Tertiary qualification in Food Technology or Food Science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench development of new and existing products per briefs.
• Prepare interim and final product specs for regulatory approval and customers.
• Support maintenance and continuous improvement projects, incl. cost optimisation and raw material supply.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings and ensure on-time delivery.
• Support product commercialisation activities, including factory trials and scale-up.
• Liaise with suppliers to identify emerging technologies, ingredients, trends.
• Maintain accurate development documentation through the project lifecycle.

Skills

Product development

R&D

Stakeholder management

Project management

MS Office

Education

Food Technology / Food Science degree

Job description

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Product Development Technologist (12-month contract)

PALMWOODS, QLD, AU, 4555

• Work with us to shape the future of Innovative Food Products
• Gain exposure across a global, growing organisation
• Work with emerging trends and technologies

The Opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Product Development Technologist to join our R&D team on a 12-month parental leave contract, based in Palmwoods on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Reporting to the Product Development Manager, you will collaborate with key stakeholders and cross‑functional teams to deliver research and development activities relating to new product development and existing product improvements, ensuring projects are executed in line with customer and business requirements.

Why Join McCormick

Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements that support your personal and professional commitments.

Health & Wellness Programs: Access wellbeing initiatives, fitness challenges, and wellness workshops.

Community Engagement: Participate in local charity and community events.

Family-Friendly Policies: Generous paid parental leave, partner leave, and return-to-work support programs.

Employee Recognition: Be recognised and rewarded for your contributions through our employee recognition programs.

Team Engagement Activities: Enjoy regular social events including food trucks, coffee vans, and BBQs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct bench development of new and existing products in accordance with internal and customer project briefs.
• Prepare interim and final product specifications for regulatory approval and customer requirements.
• Support internal maintenance and continuous improvement projects, including cost optimisation and raw material supply initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings and contribute to successful on-time project delivery.
• Support product commercialisation activities, including factory trials and scale-up processes.
• Liaise with suppliers to identify emerging technologies, ingredients, and industry trends.
• Maintain accurate product development documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

About You

You are a passionate and detail-oriented R&D professional who enjoys working collaboratively to bring innovative food products to market.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• 3–5 years' experience in Product Development, R&D, or Food Technology within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
• Strong bench development and product trial experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to product development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Regulatory, Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

How to Apply

If you're excited by the opportunity to contribute to food innovation within a collaborative and fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications by Friday, 7 August 2026.

Please note that due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Recruitment may commence before the closing date, and the position may be filled prior to this date.

WHY WORK AT MCCORMICK?

As a McCormick employee you’ll be empowered to focus on more than your individual responsibilities. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to have a say in where the company is going and how it’s growing.

Between our passion for flavor, our 130-year history of leadership and integrity, the competitive and comprehensive benefits we offer, and our culture, which is built on respect and opportunities for growth, there are many reasons to join us at McCormick.