Product Research & Development Manager

JBS Australia Pty Limited; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Novated car leasing

Health insurance discounts

Staff retail savings

Free onsite parking

Job summary

JBS Pork Australia, based in Melbourne (Laverton), seeks an experienced R&D Product Manager to lead the development and commercialisation of innovative food products. This strategic role manages the R&D portfolio, drives product innovation, and ensures launches meet consumer expectations and business goals.

Working with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Logistics, you will translate insights into market-ready solutions while upholding FSANZ compliance, HACCP standards, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience leading technical teams and launching FMCG or agri manufacturing products.
• Knowledge of Stage-Gate, Agile and Design Thinking.
• Experience interpreting FSANZ regulations and ensuring compliance.
• Strong food safety knowledge (HACCP) and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects to deadlines.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management with a data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy and product innovation roadmap, aligning initiatives with business objectives and consumer trends.
• Manage end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept to commercialisation.
• Drive product design and technical research across ingredients, meat science, packaging and market trends.
• Partner with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Logistics for seamless launches.
• Oversee R&D governance, budget, KPI tracking and FSANZ compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Product development

FSANZ compliance

Stage-Gate

Agile

Design Thinking

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science/Engineering

Job description

JBS Pork Australia is Australia’s leading integrated agri‑food company, supplying high‑quality pork to domestic and export markets across a network of farming, processing and distribution sites. As part of the global JBS group, we offer diverse career paths and the chance to contribute to a sustainable, innovative protein business. Our mission is to be the best in all that we do - focused on superior products and services, trusted supplier partnerships, and a better future for our people.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded R&D Product Manager based at Melbourne (Laverton) to lead the development and delivery of innovative food products from concept through to commercialisation. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing the R&D portfolio, driving product innovation, and ensuring successful product launches that meet consumer expectations, market trends, and business objectives.

Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, you will translate consumer insights into market-ready solutions while fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy and product innovation roadmap, aligning new product development initiatives with business objectives, consumer trends, and category growth opportunities.
• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, leading Stage‑Gate processes from concept, prototyping and testing through to commercialisation and launch.
• Drive product design and technical research, leveraging expertise in ingredients, meat science, packaging, market trends, competitor analysis, and customer insights to identify new opportunities.
• Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders across Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Logistics to deliver seamless product development and launch outcomes.
• Oversee R&D governance, compliance and performance, including budget management, resource allocation, KPI tracking, FSANZ compliance, food safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience managing technical teams and delivering successful product launches, including FMCG or agri‑manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of product development methodologies, including Stage‑Gate, Agile, and Design Thinking frameworks.
• Demonstrated expertise interpreting FSANZ regulations and ensuring compliance throughout the product development process.
• Sound understanding of food safety, HACCP principles, and quality management systems.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while delivering results to agreed timelines.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, supported by a commercially focused and data‑driven approach.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical business outcomes.

We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and connected. As part of a leading global food company, you will enjoy:

• Novated car leasing options, health insurance discounts, and retail partner savings.
• Free onsite parking and free onsite physiotherapy services.
• Heavily discounted premium meat products through our staff sales.
• Unmatched career progression pathways across the global JBS network.