Group Research and Development Packaging Executive - Johannesburg at RCL Foods

Job Description    
We at RCL Foods have recently relaunched our purpose to “We Grow What Matters”.

We are a deeply rooted South African business and we believe our country will thrive when we collectively grow what matters.? Our purpose is anchored in a culture of empowerment and accountability, with uncompromising integrity at its heart. ?We are inspired by our unwavering commitment to "Grow What Matters,", placing People, Growth and Sustainability at the forefront of everything we do.

We have the opportunity within our Group R&D function for a role as Group R&D Packaging Executive. The scope of this role covers our Groceries (Mayonnaise, Peanut Butter, Beverages, Rusks and Cereals), Milling and Baking as well as the Spreads (Siqalo Foods) categories.

The key purpose of this role is to elevate the pivotal role that packaging plays in RCL’s Growth strategy. This necessitates the definition and delivery of the R&D Packaging program for RCL Foods. This includes the Group Packaging Innovation and technology roadmap across core and differentiating packaging technologies within the Group in line with the RCL Growth agenda.  With our updated RCL sustainability strategy, this role plays a critical role in the definition and execution of our Packaging Sustainability Goals to meet our RCL Sustainability ambition specifically on Responsible Packaging.

Other core responsibilities include delivery of cost savings via the Value Engineering Program as well as support to the Business Units ensuring ongoing high-quality packaging design and execution.

As the Group R&D Packaging Executive, you carry the responsibility, both as business leader and partner providing strategic leadership and operational stewardship towards delivering the business short-, medium- and long-term agenda. This is done working collaboratively with Business Leaders cross functionally in Marketing, Customer Development, Consumer Insight, Supply Chain and Sourcing, Commercial and with Business Unit teams. This role carries leadership responsibility for an experienced Packaging team working across Business Units. Externally, the role has a significant packaging technology business partnering role with packaging suppliers and relevant packaging bodies. The role has a direct reporting into the Group R&D Director and can be Durban or Gauteng Based.

This role will provide you with an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey with RCL FOODS, where your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future landscape of Packaging Innovation and sustainability. Your contributions will not only align with our business goals but will also echo our resolute commitment to sustainable practices. We invite you to join us on this meaningful journey, where your expertise will fuel impactful growth and leave a legacy.

Minimum Requirements    

• BSc or MSc Science degree and/or engineering degree, augmented by relevant experience and expertise.
• 8 to 10 years’ experience in R&D, with at least 5 years at a senior R&D managerial level.
• FMCG – preferably Food or Packaging.
• Proven track record in the Development and Execution of R&D programs.
• Strong Strategic Leadership and Business partnership skills to drive strategic business objectives.
• Willingness to travel to various manufacturing sites within Gauteng.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Defining and implementing the Group Packaging Innovation and Technology Program in collaboration with marketing, consumer insight, and customer teams and with input from Business Units.
• Establish strategic partnerships with key packaging suppliers, academia, government, and innovation agencies to contribute to the 3-5 year Packaging program.
• Leading the development and delivery of short, medium, and long-term R&D programs, and aligning with business leaders and packaging teams.
• Driving the execution of the packaging sustainability strategy on responsible packaging, including commitments to extended producer responsibility and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Overseeing the R&D Packaging Value Engineering Program (VEP), identifying and implementing cost reduction opportunities across business units.
• Engaging with the broader functional R&D Leadership teams, playing a pivotal role in providing input on the execution of business, growth, and R&D strategies.
• Leading and inspiring a team of experienced Packaging Managers and Packaging Technologists, fostering a high-performance culture.