Technical Product Development Manager - Home Pest

Rimfire Resources; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rimfire Resources is seeking an experienced technical/product development professional to lead the home pest portfolio from concept through to commercial launch. Working with third-party formulation, testing, regulatory and manufacturing partners, you will determine the best technical pathway and manage multi-site project execution.

You will bring specialist knowledge in regulated products, passion for FMCG or consumer products, and strong project management and communication skills to drive a

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical development from concept to market launch.
• Strong ability to manage external partners and suppliers.
• Knowledge of regulatory pathways and APVMA requirements.
• Competence in project management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development from brief to commercial launch.
• Evaluate formulations, efficacy, claims, stability and packaging compatibility.
• Select and manage external technical and manufacturing partners.
• Navigate APVMA registration pathways and regulatory requirements.
• Drive projects through stage-gate and NPD processes.
• Manage technical risk against cost, timing and commercial needs.

Skills

Project management

Commercial judgement

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Entomology / Chemistry / Formulation Science

Job description

The Company

Our client is an established consumer products business with a strong presence across Australia and a portfolio of well-recognised brands sold through major retail channels.

With an established R&D and innovation capability, the business is investing in their home pest portfolio as part of its continued growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the R&D Director and working closely across Marketing, Innovation, Supply Chain and Procurement, you will lead the technical development and commercialisation of the home pest portfolio.

Working predominantly through third-party formulation, testing, regulatory and manufacturing partners, you will determine the best technical pathway from product brief through to commercial launch.

There is genuine autonomy. You will bring the specialist knowledge and commercial judgement to recommend the right path, challenge proposals where required and keep multiple product developments moving.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading technical development from brief through to commercial launch
• Evaluating formulations, efficacy, claims, stability and packaging compatibility
• Selecting and managing external technical and manufacturing partners
• Managing APVMA registration pathways and regulatory requirements
• Driving projects through stage-gate and NPD processes
• Managing technical risk against cost, timing and commercial requirements
• Building internal technical knowledge to support the portfolio longer term

The role is offered as an 18-24 month fixed-term contract. Sydney is preferred, with Melbourne, Queensland and other East Coast locations considered for the right person. Travel to suppliers, manufacturers, laboratories and trial sites will be required.

About You

You are an experienced technical or product development professional who understands how to move regulated products from concept through to commercial launch.

Ideally, you will have worked within FMCG or a fast-paced consumer products environment, with an understanding of stage-gate development, commercial deadlines and the balance between technical and commercial requirements.

Direct consumer or household pest experience would be highly regarded. Candidates from professional pest control, crop protection or related chemical sectors will also be considered where they bring strong product commercialisation experience.

To succeed, you will bring:

• 5+ years' experience within pest control or a closely related sector
• Experience developing and commercialising regulated products
• FMCG, consumer products or comparable NPD experience
• Knowledge of insecticides, rodenticides and pest-control technologies
• Working knowledge of APVMA requirements and registration pathways
• Experience managing external manufacturers and technical partners
• Strong project management, commercial judgement and communication skills

A tertiary qualification in entomology, chemistry, formulation science, biological science or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to become the technical specialist behind a new product category within an established consumer business. You’ll have the scope to influence the technical direction, manage the right external partners and see a portfolio move from concept through to products in market.

For someone who knows the pest-control market and enjoys the pace of product commercialisation, there is plenty here to get hold of.

For more information or a confidential discussion, contact Marcela Rocha-Lima on 1300 380 701.