R&D Technologist

Kinrise Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinrise Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced R&D Technologist to drive end-to-end product development for our Branded, Private Label and Corporate portfolios in Australia. You will lead from concept to launch, with bakery expertise and a commercial mindset.

In this maximum-term role (up to 10 months), you will develop recipes, manage trials, oversee scale-up, ensure FSANZ compliance, and collaborate across Production, QA and Procurement to deliver innovative, cost-effective products.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Minimum 3+ years of product development experience in FMCG/manufacturing.
• Bakery experience is highly regarded.
• Strong understanding of product formulation, scale-up and industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with BOMs, SAP, labeling and costings.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical development of new and existing products from concept to commercialisation.
• Prototype and formulate recipes aligned to briefs, nutrition targets, claims, and cost constraints.
• Plan, coordinate and lead kitchen, pilot, and factory trials to support scale-up.
• Partner with Production, Procurement, QA and Commercial teams for successful launches.
• Manage formulations, BOMs, SAP, batch sheets and labelling compliance.
• Develop nutritional panels and ingredient lists in line with FSANZ regulations.
• Source and evaluate new ingredients to drive innovation and cost savings.
• Lead cross-functional timelines using a Stage-Gate framework to deliver projects on time.

Skills

Product development

FMCG

Scale-up

Regulatory knowledge

Costing

Education

Food Science degree

Bachelor's in related field

Tools

FoodWorks

Coles Fusion

WW Sphere

PIFs

Job description

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.

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.

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