Group R&D Manager: Packaging, Materials & Technology Capability at Tiger Brands

• You are responsible for governance and guidance of R&D technical expertise through the development of packaging materials and technology strategies, standards and frameworks in R&D. You will build capability of the R&D packaging function at a manufacturing level. The role will also provide the governance and support required to implement innovations from concept to commercialization successfully. While the role will provide the necessary oversight the individual will be working in conjunction with Group R&D, Procurement, Plant, and Marketing to deliver innovations and value projects to Tiger. Critical to success is the ability to provide deep technical oversight and governance but to also build the requisite capabilities within the relevant Category teams. The role also provides input to future innovation strategies.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Packaging Materials Knowledge

• Apply & Build packaging material science knowledge and Capability in the selection of innovative solutions for our products  e.g. Plastics, Metals, Board.

Material Science & Performance

• Ensure application of knowledge on structural integrity and the performance of substrates(e.g. – PET Jar stack and travel, ovality on HDPE, mold development) and the impact on quality.  

Packaging Processes

• Apply & Build knowledge on complete packaging material solutions – ensuring technology matches application

New Product Development (NPD)

• Input and where oversight from Concept-to-launch i.e. development & implementation framework.
• Governance and reporting of the PLM system.

Testing & Validation

• Packaging performance testing – e.g. Stack n Travel, Containment, shelf-life analysis.
• Process scale up validations,
• Support with BOM reviews and finalization post commercial run

 Innovation Capability

• Industry Trend analysis (consumer awareness)
• Supplier, OEM &  Tertiary Institution Partnering (e.g. Buhler,  Universities)

Regulatory Compliance Capability building for:

• Food safety standards
• Packaging waste regulations
• Labelling Regulations
• Metrology Regulations

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Marketing (brand & consumer insights)
• Operations (plant readiness and capabilities)
• Procurement (supplier capability)
• Quality & regulatory team input

Team Leadership

• Leading multidisciplinary teams
• Driving innovation culture

Operational Efficiencies & Value Engineering

• Develop & Drive Value engineering over and above Category initiatives(Technology and Materials)
• Reduction of material usage variances related to R&D.

Process Improvement

• Ensure Lean manufacturing principles (variation reduction, waste reduction is complied to with innovation

Scalability & Industrialization

• Provide oversight in commercialization of innovations
• Governance of Line trials and ramp-up requirements through to commercial production at speed.

Sustainability Knowledge

• Ensure Recyclability & Lightweighting is an input to innovations

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:
Qualification and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in either Food Technology, Material Science or Engineering
• Strong scientific experience, ideally within the FMCG industry
• Supply Chain collaboration
• New product development
• Packaging optimisation is advantageous
• Extensive experience within manufacturing facilities preferably with different technologies

Deadline:6th October,2026