R&D Manager: Culinary

Tiger Consumer Brands Ltd.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiger Brands is seeking an experienced R&D Manager for Culinary to lead the Product & Packaging Technologists, turning NPD briefs into feasible product specs and working with Supply Chain to design for manufacture.

You will re-engineer existing products for profitability, explore global trends and local preferences, and drive sustainability while keeping costs in check. This role reports to the Operations Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years leading product development teams in FMCG.
• Proven track record of innovation delivery (successful product launches).
• Degree in Science/Tech/Eng or equivalent.
• Ability to translate the marketing NPD Brief into product specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assess feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief, and design 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 to achieve costs savings while maintaining quality and shelf life.
• Collaborate with Category and Supply Chain to design for manufacture and scale-up.
• Oversee pilot/testing facilities and manage new technologies for upstream innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Delivery

Market awareness

Education

BTEC/BSC in Science/Tech/Eng

Job description

It'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

• 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.

Tiger Brands is proudly Africa’s largest listed manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). We impact lives every day with our iconic, award-winning brands. Our core business is the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of everyday branded food and beverages. Our products are relevant across every meal occasion and are well positioned to grow. Being a food company means we’re an intimate part of everybody's daily lives and that’s why we get loud and proud about exploring further, roaring louder and growing together. We aim to Ignite Your Career, Grow our brands and our business. If you are looking for an exciting career in a multinational FMCG business, then Tiger Brands is the place for you to work and play. Explore the vacancies we currently have available @TigerBrands.