R&D Manager: Grains (Main Meal Carbs)

Tiger Brands; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiger Brands is seeking a Product & Packaging Technology leader to drive development, testing, and launch of new products in Gauteng, South Africa. You will guide a team of technologists, translate marketing briefs into specifications, and work with Supply Chain to design for manufacture while improving profitability and quality.

The role emphasizes leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strong market awareness to deliver innovative, cost-effective products aligned with consumer

Qualifications

• Experience leading product development teams.
• Strong communication with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to translate marketing briefs into specs and manage costs.

Responsibilities

• Manage Product & Packaging Technologists to develop and launch new products.
• Translate marketing NPD briefs into product specifications.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to design for manufacture and ensure profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Decision Making

Education

GRP

Job description

City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa

Sep 22, 2026

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

You 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:

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development

• 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.

Optimization

• 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%)
• Drive the Sustainability agenda through products looking for savings within design and process
• Adhere to budget and spend guidelines agreed with R&D Portfolio Director.
• 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 customersand 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

Change Management & Communication

• 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

Ethics Leadership Development

• Ensure the R&D team ethical behaviour and culture is impeccable and can withstand scrutiny.
• Provide support, mentor and nurture development of all your junior staff and specialists to ensure sustainable succession.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

Qualifications

• GRP

Experience

• Management: 3- 5 years
• Operational: 5 years

Relationship Building

Networking

Leadership

Communication

Business Acumen

Conceptual Thinking

Decision Making

Results Orientation

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Functional / Technical Competencies

Knowledge of science and technology behind food development

Leadership and Business Management

Packaging technology knowledge

Project Management

Awareness of consumer market

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.

We cultivate and nourish lives, every day and every tomorrow!

Tiger Brands is a leading African manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods, renowned for its diverse food, beverage, home, and personal care brands.

Location City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa