R&D Technologist (Fixed Term Maternity Leave Cover)

Tip Top; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Ice Cream!

Job summary

Tip Top Ice Cream in Auckland is seeking an experienced R&D Technologist for a fixed-term maternity cover. You will lead new product development and process improvements, developing formulations from bench to pilot plant, and supporting first production runs.

You will work with cross-functional teams, sign off technical documents, and ensure compliance with food standards while driving continuous improvement across our dairy portfolio.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology/Science or a similar degree.
• 3-5 years previous experience in R&D/NPD/Innovation ideally in dairy food or ice cream applications.
• Good project management and problem- solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound knowledge of food safety standards.
• Ability to work in a fast- paced environment.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Agile and flexible working manner.
• Innovative and creative mindset.
• Passion for all things food!

Responsibilities

• Undertake and lead new product development, quality and process improvement projects independently and to timely completion.
• Develop product formulations and prototype samples from bench top samples to pilot plant samples.
• Carry out factory trials and supporting first production runs.
• Work closely with cross-functional support teams and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Prepare and sign off technical documents and artwork ensuring compliance with food standards.
• Possess sound technical knowledge of the portfolio of products and the processes used to manufacture them and seek continuous improvement.
• Carry out other duties related to product/ packaging development e.g. process instructions, costing, alternative supply, sustainability, and food regulatory requirements.
• Supporting the wider business with technical knowledge and problem solving in relation to products, standards, and operations when required.

Skills

R&D experience

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelors in Food Science/Technology

Job description

R&D Technologist (Fixed Term Maternity Leave Cover)

Tip Top Ice Cream is a major player in the New Zealand ice cream industry with iconic brands that Kiwis love and trust. At Tip Top, we strive to be the best at everything we do. We are passionate about excellence and uphold high ethical standards. Our people own their work and our team, along with our brands, are our competitive advantage in FMCG. We recognise outstanding performance and reward your efforts. Teamwork, customer focus and quality are all key values we strive for everyday alongside having fun!

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for an R&D Technologist to join our Innovation team on a fixed term maternity cover contract. Now is your opportunity to work with some of New Zealand’s best-loved brands in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment within a professional, knowledgeable, and fun team!

Based at the iconic Tip Top site in Auckland, the R&D Technologist carries out product development, process and technical improvements, buy better and optimisation projects, and other relevant product development tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake and lead new product development, quality and process improvement projects independently and to timely completion.
• Develop product formulations and prototype samples from bench top samples to pilot plant samples.
• Carry out factory trials and supporting first production runs.
• Work closely with cross-functional support teams and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Prepare and sign off technical documents and artwork ensuring compliance with food standards.
• Possess sound technical knowledge of the portfolio of products and the processes used to manufacture them and seek continuous improvement.
• Carry out other duties related to product/ packaging development e.g. process instructions, costing, alternative supply, sustainability, and food regulatory requirements.
• Supporting the wider business with technical knowledge and problem solving in relation to products, standards, and operations when required.

Skills and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology/Science or a similar degree.
• 3-5 years previous experience in R&D/NPD/Innovation ideally in dairy food or ice cream applications.
• Good project management and problem- solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound knowledge of food safety standards.
• Ability to work in a fast- paced environment.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Agile and flexible working manner.
• Innovative and creative mindset.
• Passion for all things food!

What we offer

• Excellent career development opportunities
• Highly autonomous role where you will be rewarded for your efforts
• Be part of New Zealand's most trusted brands
• Free Ice Cream!

Our story

Tip Top has been part of New Zealanders' lives for 80 years and we're proud to still be making the delicious ice cream products that every New Zealander loves. Tip Top is well known for its delicious product range and for its innovation and creativity. Forward-thinking and successful, Tip Top can offer you access to great resources and the potential to grow your career.

As part of the Froneri family, we are the second largest ice cream manufacturer in the world, selling a staple of well-known ice cream brands in 25 countries. Froneri brings leadership and global expertise in ice cream, reaching into new ice cream markets, and new consumer products.

If you are looking to work for a company that is always working to find new ways to improve its business and excite the market, then Tip Top Ice Cream is for you. Visit our careers website to find out more:https://www.tiptop.co.nz/jobs

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We want great people who want to do great things, no matter their background, and we have an inclusive and diverse approach to recruitment.

Applications Close – Monday 28th September 2026