The leading agrifood organisation is entering an exciting phase of investment, with a strong focus on innovation-led growth, portfolio expansion, and capability enhancement across product development. With strong support and significant investment behind the innovation agenda, this is an opportunity to influence the future direction of a market-leading business.
The Role
The R&D Manager will hold accountability for the end-to-end innovation pipeline, from concept development through to commercialisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing the innovation and product development strategy aligned to business growth objectives
- Leading the end-to-end NPD and product renovation pipeline from concept through to commercial launch
- Managing cross-functional project teams across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, and Commercial functions
- Identifying emerging consumer, market, and technology trends to drive future growth opportunities
- Leading product optimisation, cost reduction, and value engineering initiatives
- Managing external partnerships with ingredient suppliers, research institutions, and industry bodies
- Building capability and leadership across the R&D function
- Managing R&D budgets, project prioritisation, and resource allocation
- Ensuring all products meet regulatory, food safety, quality, and customer requirements
Your Background
To be considered for this role, you will bring:
- Extensive experience within R&D, Innovation or Product Development food, agricultural, or FMCG environments
- Proven success delivering commercially successful innovation programs and product launches
- Experience working across complex stakeholder groups including Operations, Sales, Marketing, Quality, and Supply Chain
- Commercial acumen with the ability to balance innovation, customer expectations, and business outcomes
- Strong project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent development programs
- A collaborative and influential leadership style with the ability to drive outcomes across the organisation
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to lead R&D of a division of a significant agrifood businesses
- Strong investment in product development, capability building, and future growth initiatives
- Full ownership of the R&D function with direct influence on the division's long-term innovation strategy
R&D Manager in Melbourne employer: Blackbook Recruitment
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