R&D Technologist

Kinrise Pty; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinrise Pty in Hallam, VIC is seeking an R&D Technologist to lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch. You will prototype recipes, assess feasibility, and coordinate trials with cross-functional teams to ensure successful scale-up for branded, private label and corporate portfolios.

The role demands a 3+ year track record in FMCG product development, with bakery experience highly regarded, and strong knowledge of scale-up, regulatory compliance, and cost optimisation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or Food Technology or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3+ years of product development experience in FMCG.
• Bakery experience is highly regarded.
• Understanding of scale-up, formulation, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of FSANZ labelling and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical development from concept to launch.
• Prototype and formulate recipes aligned to briefs, nutrition targets and cost limits.
• Assess feasibility of briefs and provide stakeholder feedback.
• Plan and run kitchen, pilot and factory trials for scale-up.
• Collaborate with Production, Procurement, QA and Commercial teams.
• Manage formulations, BOMs, labelling, and regulatory paperwork.
• Drive value engineering, shelf-life testing and cost optimisation.

Skills

Product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Costing

Food formulation

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Tools

FoodWorks

Coles Fusion

WW Sphere

PIFs

SAP

Job description

R&D Technologist# Careers## R&D TechnologistApply: Hallam, VIC: Full time: Posted Today: JR00446Kinrise 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.Role type: Maximum term (parental leave replacement) up to 10 months. In our R&D Technologist role, you will help develop new products and improve existing products for quality and cost savings across the Branded, Private Label and Corporate portfolios. **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.*