R&D Manager: Grains (Main Meal Carbs) at Tiger Brands

• You will manage the 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Key Responsibilities
New Product Development

• 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.

Optimization

• 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%)
• Drive the Sustainability agenda through products looking for savings within design and process
• Adhere to budget and spend guidelines agreed with R&D Portfolio Director.

Innovation 

• 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

Change Management & Communication

• 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

Ethics Leadership Development

• Ensure the R&D team ethical behaviour and culture is impeccable and can withstand scrutiny.
• Provide support, mentor and nurture development of all your junior staff and specialists to ensure sustainable succession.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree – Food Science, Engineering
• GRP

Experience

• Management: 3- 5 years
• Operational: 5 years

Behavioural Competencies

• Relationship Building
• Networking
• Leadership
• Communication
• Business Acumen
• Conceptual Thinking
• Influencing
• Persuasiveness
• Decision Making
• Results Orientation
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving

Functional / Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of science and technology behind food development
• Excellent report writing skills
• Leadership and Business Management
• Packaging technology knowledge
• Project Management
• Awareness of consumer market

Deadline:29th September,2026