R&D Manager

R&D Manager – Food Technology

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded R&D Manager to lead our Food Technology Research & Development function.

The role will be responsible for driving product innovation, application development, ingredient research, formulation, and technical solutions across our portfolio of plant-based ingredients, including protein isolates, peptides, pea fibers, and pea starches.

The R&D Manager will work closely with Commercial, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Marketing teams to translate market and customer needs into innovative, scalable, and commercially viable food solutions.

Job Description

R&D Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy in alignment with the company's business objectives and innovation roadmap.
• Lead research and application development for protein isolates, peptides, pea fibers, pea starches, and other food ingredients.
• Identify emerging food technology, ingredient, processing, and consumer trends to drive new product and application opportunities.
• Establish and manage the R&D project pipeline, prioritising projects based on commercial potential, technical feasibility, and business needs.

Product & Application Development

• Lead the development of new food products, formulations, recipes, and ingredient applications from concept through prototyping and commercialisation.
• Oversee formulation development, benchtop trials, pilot-scale testing, and product optimisation.
• Evaluate ingredient functionality, processing performance, sensory attributes, stability, and overall product quality.
• Develop innovative applications that demonstrate the functionality and unique value propositions of the company's ingredients.

Technical Leadership & Problem-Solving

• Provide technical leadership in resolving complex formulation, processing, and application challenges.
• Support customer technical projects and, where required, participate in customer trials and on-site application testing.
• Develop practical technical solutions and recommendations based on R&D findings and data.
• Act as a key technical resource for Commercial and other internal stakeholders.

Commercialisation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Commercial teams to understand customer requirements and translate market opportunities into R&D projects.
• Work with Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to ensure successful scale-up and commercialisation of new products.
• Assess technical feasibility, production requirements, ingredient availability, and cost considerations during product development.
• Support technical presentations, customer meetings, seminars, exhibitions, and innovation workshops.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team, providing clear direction, technical guidance, and performance objectives.
• Establish effective R&D processes, methodologies, and best practices.
• Allocate resources and manage project timelines to ensure R&D projects are delivered effectively.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

R&D Data & Documentation

• Establish standards for experimental design, data collection, analysis, and technical reporting.
• Ensure R&D activities, formulations, test results, prototypes, and technical findings are properly documented and maintained.
• Review and interpret R&D data to support technical and commercial decision-making.
• Maintain appropriate records of ingredients, samples, prototypes, and development projects.

Prototype & Innovation Demonstrations

• Oversee the preparation of prototypes and product demonstrations for customers, seminars, exhibitions, and innovation workshops.
• Lead technical reviews and presentations to demonstrate product functionality, applications, and value propositions.

Technical & Marketing Support

• Provide technical and application expertise to support marketing and product communication initiatives.
• Review technical content and ensure product claims and application information are accurate and appropriately communicated.
• Support the development of technical materials, presentations, product literature, and social media content where required.

Others

• Support strategic projects and other R&D initiatives as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve R&D capabilities, processes, equipment, and laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline .
• 5+ years of relevant experience in food R&D, product development, application development, or food technology, with demonstrated experience leading R&D projects or teams.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, formulation, ingredient functionality, and product development .
• Experience with plant-based proteins and/or alternative protein applications would be highly advantageous.