R&D Manager

**Position Title**:R&D Manager - Pizzas & Frozen Meals

**Position Type**: Regular - Full-Time

**Position Location**:Ballarat

**Requisition ID**: 22558

Our high performing R&D Team is on a look out for an exceptional R&D Manager to lead and implement product development plans that execute multiple product innovation and renovation projects from concept and recipe development to trial and factory validation and commercial production.

Our new R&D Manager will work in close partnership with cross-functional disciplines to enable execution of the innovation pipeline with excellence and develop new concepts into successful market product propositions.

**About the Role**
**Innovation and renovation execution excellence**:

- Lead a product development team (and operate at a hands-on level) to deliver projects that successfully meet key product attributes, on time, to cost of goods targets with a seamless transition to commercial production
- Distil consumer trends and research insights into key product attributes that deliver consumer-relevant product designs and leverage manufacturing capabilities internally, and where needed at co-manufacturers
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement bringing outside-in thinking into proactive concept development that accelerates ANZ innovation pipeline development.
- Champion Product Stewardship programs for your product portfolio in ANZ and share product progress and learning regionally/globally.

**Communication & Stakeholder Management**:

- Build key internal R&D relationships (sensory, regulatory, nutrition) and communication channels locally, regionally and globally to enable the sharing of ideas, pipelines, troubleshooting and best practices
- Establish a strong partnership and clear communication with peers across Marketing, Technical Services, Quality, Manufacturing and Project Leads
- Build strong relationships and communication with key supply partners to ensure we stay abreast of latest ingredient science and technology

**People Development**:

- Build the profile and brand of all team members through fair allocation of projects and access to Senior Leadership business forums and presentations
- Lead, contribute and plan activities that improve R&D engagement

**About You**
- Bachelors or Masters Degree in Food Science or other related Science disciplines paired with strong ingredient knowledge in area of batter and coatings technology for different reconstitution methods
- Demonstrated experience in technical and professional research & development within consumer goods, preferably in food
- Thought leadership paired with hands-on approach, motivated to engage in bench and factory trials where required
- Ability to interpret FSANZ standards and internal policies (e.g. nutrition) and incorporate into product design
- General knowledge of manufacturing processes and experience of working in this environment
- In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP processes. Experience enabling functional compliance with relevant Acts/ Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards.
- Analytical mind set along with strategic thinking to be able to plan for long term
- Curious in outlook with strong ability to engage and motivate others focussed on presenting solutions
- McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger._
- McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs._
- The health and safety of McCain employees and their families has been our number one priority since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccination restrictions easing across the globe we do not currently require employees to be vaccinated, but we reserve the right to change this mandate in line with health guidance and regulations in each country._
- Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the _Global Privacy Policy_

**Job Family**:Research & Development
**Division**:Global Research and Development
**Department**:R and D ANZ
**Location(s)**: AU - Australia : Victoria : Ballarat || AU - Australia : Victoria : Melbourne

**Company**:McCain Foods (Aust) Pty.