- Established Leadership Role
- Product Development
- Well Recognised National Company
The Mitani Group is a well-established and successful SA owned and operated business servicing a national and international client base. They continue to grow this business by being responsive to their clients’ needs providing product innovation, high levels of customer service and on time delivery.
The R&D Manager is responsible for leading the technical activity required for creating and developing new products, manufacturing improvements and cost savings. This position is primarily responsible for the products and initiatives related to refrigerated and shelf stable salad dressing and sauces, flavored butter and extruded frozen food product. The manager leads the R&D team, evaluates plans, directs, executes, implements, and reports on all activities related to the development of company group products. This position carries with it the responsibility to mentor team members and grow their capabilities for contributing to the organization, while coordinating and managing the efforts of the R&D team.
Responsibilities
- Leads R&D staff in the technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluating and reporting on new product development, product improvements and troubleshooting projects.
- Drives development to ensure completion of the department’s high priority projects and critical non-project work. Advises, directs, coaches, inspires and reviews all R&D work for the group.
- Continuously support projects from Industrial customers to develop new product offerings that provide significant short and long term growth.
- Creates an innovative environment by collaborating with external and internal partners and by managing the group with passion, intellectual curiosity, integrity and trust.
- Works with operations to develop new processes and procedures that ensure product development efforts are compatible and beneficial to the manufacturing capabilities, ensure food safety and properly follow food standards.
- Establishes and monitors the projects pipeline review and prioritisation system for the R&D department.
- Independently investigates significant new formulations, process improvements, and cost savings projects.
- Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning the application of new ingredient / processing technologies. Stays apprised of new ingredients technologies used in the industry.
- Challenge the status quo to drive continuous improvement to both work processes and general organisation.
Professional and Managerial Competencies
- Able to work at pace on multiple projects at once.
- The ability to influence change and a willingness to spend time in the plant with employees during all shifts. Show genuine teambuilding and collaboration skills.
- Excellent understanding of food science and technology principles, and ability to apply them in product development and commercialisation.
- Ability to develop products from ingredient statement and nutritional information to match or exceed customer expectations
- Excellent culinary skills and ability to work with refrigerated/shelf stable salad products.
- Be innovative and find opportunities for growth.
- Strong written and oral communications skills with the ability to conduct meaningful presentations to both external and internal contacts.
- Must be well balanced between the strategic view of the work and the execution aspects of the job. Have the ability to adapt to change with our evolving and growing company.
- Self-motivated, focused attention to detail and driven for positive results.
- Commercial acumen and understanding of cost modelling.
- Strong project management and multi-tasking skills required.
- Demonstrated problem solving, continuous improvement and strategic thinking skills.
- Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Education and Experience
- Tertiary qualifications (i.e.food science / technology or similar) supported with extensive experience in food product development essential
- Experience working with high risk food products
- 3+ years of supervisory experience
- Computer literacy (Office 365 applications, ECM software M-files, databases)
- FoodWorks software exposure desirable.
** If submitting a cover letter with your resume, please combine and save into one document to upload through our candidate application process **
All applications are to be directed through Recruit Smart – click here to apply.
Confidential enquiries can be made to either Rowen or Catherine on 8274 2105.
|
