R&D Technologist

Kinrise; Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinrise in Australia is seeking an energetic R&D Technologist to lead end-to-end product development from concept to commercial launch. You will work cross-functionally with Production, QA, Procurement and Commercial teams to translate briefs into scalable, compliant formulations.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Food Science or related field and at least 3 years’ FMCG experience, with bakery knowledge and proficiency in FoodWorks/Coles Fusion or similar labelling tools.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3+ years of product development experience within FMCG manufacturing.
• Bakery experience preferred.
• Experience with product formulation, industrial scale-up and commercial manufacturing.
• Proficiency in creating Product Information Forms (PIFs) and labelling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical development of new and existing products from concept to commercialisation.
• Prototype and formulate recipes aligned to NPD briefs, nutrition targets, claims, and cost constraints.
• Evaluate incoming product briefs for technical feasibility and provide stakeholder feedback.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead kitchen, pilot, and factory trials to support product scale-up.
• Partner with Production, Procurement, QA, and Commercial teams for successful launches.
• Manage formulations, specifications, BOMs, batch sheets, and labelling compliance.
• Develop nutritional panels and ingredient lists in accordance with FSANZ regulations.
• Source and evaluate new functional ingredients and suppliers for innovation.
• Lead cross-functional timelines using a Stage-Gate framework to deliver projects on time.
• Drive continuous improvement, shelf-life testing, cost-optimisation and value engineering.

Skills

Product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related

Tools

FoodWorks

Coles Fusion

WW Sphere

SAP

Job description

R&D Technologist

Company: Kinrise | Job Type: Full Time | Location: Australia

Job Description - R&D Technologist

Kinrise is a growing, privately owned powerhouse in Australian food manufacturing with some of Australia’s most loved and innovative brands. We describe ourselves as a ‘start up with scale’ and have a burning ambition to grow our business. Formed in 2018 the Kinrise portfolio covers Biscuits, Breakfast, Baking, Bakery, and Snackfood categories and has 40+ years making iconic Australian food, with a rich Australian heritage that’s grounded in family origins.

What You Will Do

• Concept to Launch: Lead end-to-end technical development of new and existing products from concept to commercialisation.
• Recipe Development: Prototype and formulate recipes aligned to NPD briefs, nutrition targets, claims, and cost constraints.
• Feasibility Assessments: Evaluate incoming product briefs for technical feasibility and provide constructive stakeholder feedback.
• Trial Management: Plan, coordinate, and lead kitchen, pilot, and factory trials to support product scale-up.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Production, Procurement, QA, and Commercial teams for successful launches.
• Technical Documentation: Manage formulations, specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs, SAP), batch sheets, and labelling compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Develop nutritional panels, ingredient lists, and artwork in strict accordance with FSANZ regulations.
• Ingredient Innovation: Source and evaluate new functional ingredients and suppliers to drive innovation.
• Project Management: Lead cross-functional timelines using a Stage-Gate framework to deliver projects on time.
• Optimisation & Value: Drive continuous improvement, shelf-life testing, cost-optimisation, and value engineering initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• Education: Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of product development experience within FMCG manufacturing.
• Bakery Expertise: Prior experience in bakery is highly regarded.
• Scale-Up Knowledge: Proven understanding of product formulation, industrial scale-up, and commercial manufacturing.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in creating Product Information Forms (PIFs) and using FoodWorks or similar labelling software, Coles Fusion, WW Sphere, and related systems.
• Regulatory Acumen: Strong working knowledge of FSANZ food standards and labelling requirements.
• Trend Awareness: Deep passion for food, nutrition, and trends such as high-protein, low-sugar, and functional ingredients.
• Commercial Mindset: Solid financial acumen with experience managing recipe costings and ingredient value optimisation.
• Soft Skills: Highly organised, agile multi-tasker with exceptional stakeholder management, proactive communication skills, and strong attention to detail.

Most importantly, you are a real team player who is as passionate as we are at bringing deliciousness to life!

Why Join Us?

Kinrise is a fast paced, agile business that focuses on your talents and challenges you to perform at your best. An opportunity with us would mean:

• An opportunity to work with leading Australian-made brands and products
• An exciting role in a growing business with a great history and an ambitious growth agenda
• Supportive and collaborative team culture

Kinrise is committed to creating an environment that welcomes all, celebrates our diversity in all its forms and fosters an environment of inclusion.We recognise that our unique differences are what sets us apart and how we succeed as a team. We are an equal opportunity employer.