R&D Manager: Culinary at Mr Price Group

Job Description
THE JOB AT A GLANCE

• You will manage the your Product & Packaging Technologists to ensure the successful development and launch of good quality and cost effective product. You bring deep product knowledge and understanding to develop, and get the most out of, your team. You will be responsible for translating the marketing NPD Brief into product specifications, working with Supply Chain to design for manufacture, carrying out research in order to advise marketing on global trends and local preferences. In addition, you will look to re-engineer existing products to improve profitability and quality. 

Responsibilities
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assess the feasibility of the marketing NPD Brief and design the specifications and plans to implement.
• Develop products in agreement with the project team and in line with the NPD brief.
• Re-engineer existing products to drive manufacturing value or to ensure market relevance
• Carry out Value Analysis as per project protocol (actual costs saved) whilst maintaining or enhancing product profile, shelf life or customer experience
• Hitting strategic growth targets for innovation in line with the business unit expectations (e.g. sales growth of xx%)
• Work with Category (National and International) to develop products from concept, and help to develop new ideas based on your industry experience and your contact with customers and suppliers
• Management of the pilot/testing facilities, where applicable
• Work with Supply Chain to scope, design, and source new technologies required to support the upstream innovation pipeline
• Oversee and manage development of new products from third party suppliers
• Own the product recipe, and work with Supply Chain to evaluate, manage, and approve the transition to a different raw material or manufacturing process
• Adhere to budget and spend guidelines agreed with R&D Portfolio Director
• Validate the successful transition from NPD product into Supply Chain end product ensuring that it meets all requirements (e.g. Design Specifications, Design Quality Objective) and delights the customer
• Research and understand global market trends through desktop initiatives, customer meetings, and advise Marketing
• Drive the Sustainability agenda through products looking for savings within design and process

WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON

• % of sales from innovation
• On time project delivery
• # of new products
• Savings through value engineering
• Adhering to agreed budget
• People development and initiatives
• Savings from Sustainability 

Qualifications
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
Key attributes and competencies

• Technical Knowledge – knowledge of the science and technology behind developing a new product
• Leadership – ability to inspire and develop your team
• Teamwork– ability to work enable your team to work well together and across functional disciplines
• Clear communication – ability to clearly articulate project goals, status, and challenges as well as managing stakeholder expectations
• Problem-solving and analysis – proactively identify and mitigate potential risks
• Delivery Driven – ability to prioritise and manage conflicting demands of you and your team
• Awareness of the consumer market – ensuring innovation is relevant and compelling

Experience

• 5 years leading product development teams in FMCG
• Proven track record of innovation delivery (successful product launches)
• BTECH/BSC in Science, Tech., Eng. or equivalent