Research & Development Technical Manager

**Do you want a high-flying corporate career working for Australia’s largest ready-made meal manufacturer, servicing diverse industries including aviation and retail?**

We are seeking an experienced and motivated **Research & Development Technical Manager or Senior Food Technologist **to join our team based at Brisbane.

**More about this role**:
Reporting to the Manager Operations, this role will be responsible for managing the development process to match business and customer needs. The Research & Development Technical Manager will work with the R&D Executive Chef to manage innovative meal and meal component development activities, ensuring that client requirements are met or exceeded.

**What are your responsibilities?**
- Liaises with Supply Chain through R&D Team to ensure adequate raw materials and packaging suppliers are Approved via specifications and appropriate processes
- Develop KPI’s for all areas of meal development and implementation to ensure timely and appropriate new menu commercialization.
- Support the Business Development function with appropriate product and process development.
- Drive the product costing process through timely exchange of data and meetings.
- Manage the development, implementation and monitoring of recipes and Bills of Materials and Routings (recipes) for all products.
- Establish guidelines and procedures for yield and materials waste management and ensures meals and meal components are developed to make the most cost-effective and efficient use of materials and equipment.
- Manage the product specification process in conjunction with clients and SF Management.
- Establish timelines for new menu implementation to support clients requirements and in conjunction with Supply Chain and Operations
- Seek cost improvement on existing product lines

**What do you need to be successful in securing this role?**
- Experience in cooking techniques
- Proven experience in client liaison and client relationship management.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (eg Food Technology)
- Excellent written and spoken communication, negotiation, and commercial skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent attention to details
- Highly motivated with proven problem-solving skills.
- Evidence of successful team leadership
- Leadership abilities, including mentoring other Food Technologists and R&D team members.
- Emphasis on innovation and sustainability, actively seeking new ideas in food and packaging.
- Skilled in gathering customer feedback and presenting effective options and resolutions.

**What’s in it for you?**
- Be part of a close knit & dedicated team that is committed to safety.
- Free onsite parking and meals
- Career development and progression, coupled with national relocation opportunities.
- 5 weeks annual leave.
- Discounts at hundreds of retailers, discounted health insurance and wellbeing resources including online exercise classes.

**About Us**:
We are Australia’s leading readymade meal manufacturer, providing full-service large volume catering solutions for a diverse range of customers across aviation, retail, health & aged care, correctional facilities, and export markets. Based in Crestmead, Queensland, we produce more than 16 million meals every year.

Sister brand of dnata catering & retail and marhaba, together we deliver extensive service capabilities across inflight catering and retail, food manufacturing, and airport lounge management.

Parent company dnata - part of the Emirates Group - is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and inflight catering and retail services, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently.

Does this role sound perfect for you? If so, we want to hear from you