R&D Manager: Culinary

Tiger Brands; Boksburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiger Brands in Boksburg is seeking an R&D Manager for Culinary to lead the Product & Packaging Technologists and translate marketing NPD briefs into product specifications. You will work with Supply Chain to design for manufacture, and drive up-market profitability through innovation.

Responsibilities include re-engineering existing products, conducting value analyses, and coordinating with Category teams to deliver sustainable, customer-focused developments.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge of product development in FMCG.
• Leadership to inspire and develop the team.
• Clear communication to manage stakeholders and project goals.

Responsibilities

• Assess the feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief and design specifications.
• Re-engineer existing products to enhance value and market relevance.
• Oversee pilot/testing facilities and validate design to Supply Chain.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Leadership

Teamwork

Clear communication

Problem solving

Delivery Focus

Consumer insight

Education

BTEC/BSC in Science/Engineering

Job description

## R&D Manager: CulinaryApply: Onsite: Boksburg: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 5, 2026 (5 days left to apply): JR003268It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!The R&D Manager for Culinary will manage the Product & Packaging Technologists to ensure the successful development and launch of good quality and cost-effective product. You bring deep product knowledge and understanding to develop, and get the most out of, your team. You will be responsible for translating the marketing NPD Brief into product specifications, working with Supply Chain to design for manufacture, carrying out research in order to advise marketing on global trends and local preferences. In addition, you will look to re-engineer existing products to improve profitability and quality**WHAT YOU WILL DO*** Assess the feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief, and design the specifications and plans to implement. Develop products in agreement with the project team and in line with the NPD brief.* Re-engineer existing products to drive manufacturing value or to ensure market relevance* Carry out Value Analysis as per project protocol (actual costs saved) whilst maintaining or enhancing product profile, shelf life or customer experience* Hitting strategic growth targets for innovation in line with the business unit expectations (e.g. sales growth of xx%)* Work with Category (National and International) to develop products from concept, and help to develop new ideas based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and suppliers* Management of the pilot/testing facilities, where applicable* Work with Supply Chain to scope, design, and source new technologies required to support the upstream innovation pipeline* Oversee and manage development of new products from third party suppliers* Own the product recipe, and work with Supply Chain to evaluate, manage, and approve the transition to a different raw material or manufacturing process* §Adhere to budget and spend guidelines agreed with R&D Portfolio Director* Validate the successful transition from NPD product into Supply Chain end product ensuring that it meets all requirements (e.g. Design Specifications, Design Quality Objective) and delights the customer* Research and understand global market trends through desktop initiatives, customer meetings, and advise Marketing* Drive the Sustainability agenda through products looking for savings within design and process **WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE** **Key attributes and competencies** * Technical Knowledge – knowledge of the science and technology behind developing a new product* Leadership – ability to inspire and develop your team* Teamwork– ability to work enable your team to work well together and across functional disciplines* Clear communication – ability to clearly articulate project goals, status, and challenges as well as managing stakeholder expectations* Problem-solving and analysis – proactively identify and mitigate potential risks* Delivery Driven – ability to prioritise and manage conflicting demands of you and your team* Awareness of the consumer market – ensuring innovation is relevant and compelling **WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE**Experience* A minimum of 5 years leading product development teams in FMCG* Proven track record of innovation delivery (successful product launches)* BTEC/BSC in Science, Tech., Eng. or equivalent **WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON** * Number of sales from innovation* On time project delivery* Number of new products* Savings through value engineering* Adhering to agreed budget* People development and initiatives* Savings from Sustainability **NB The Role will report into the Operations Director**In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.