R&D Manager at RCL Foods

Job Description    
Purpose of the Role: Lead the research, planning, coordination, and execution of:

New product development

• Product quality and plant processing improvements
• Cost-saving initiatives
• Technical support from concept brief to product launch

Minimum Requirements    
Education and Qualification:

• Diploma in Food Technology or similar (Degree in Food Science or BTech in Food Technology advantageous)
• Valid driver’s license

Experience and Training:

• Minimum 7 years in a food-related FMCG environment, with 5 years in an R&D or managerial role
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours
• Experience in factory and office environments
• Participation in taste sessions

Knowledge and Skills:

• General business and R&D principles
• Food safety and quality management
• Production and process management
• National food legislation (GMP, HACCP, CPA, R146 compliance)
• Relevant industry standards (SANS)
• Project management, planning, and organization
• Computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Verbal and written communication
• Problem-solving and root cause identification
• Data interpretation and summary generation

Attributes:

• Quick learner, strong interpersonal skills, logical and analytical thinking
• Innovative, dedicated, and focused on continual growth
• Initiative, assertive, resilient, adaptable, and deadline-driven
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, practical, and energetic
• Curious foodie

Problem Solving:

• Manage and provide solutions for brand integrity, reputation, food safety, product quality, and production efficiencies.
• Use analytical thinking and root cause identification to address issues.

Customer Relationships:

• Influence and support internal customers (Marketing, Processing, SHEQ, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Finance, Master Data)
• Establish strong relations with external customers, suppliers, and service providers.

Decision Making:

• Make decisions with significant business impact and accountability for subordinate decisions.

Leadership/Supervision:

• Lead and supervise the technical team to achieve business goals and maintain high standards.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Strategy Into Action:

• Provide insights on market trends, competitor activity, and operational processes.
• Contribute to business unit meetings with technical and quality requirements for sustainable growth.
• Support integrated supply chain delivery through cross-functional team interactions.

New Product Development:

• Influence product briefs, including technology, raw materials, suppliers, and processes.
• Direct technical development activities and remove project obstacles.
• Communicate the impact of materials, machine requirements, and process flows on business costs.

Product Quality and Cost Saving:

• Identify opportunities for product quality improvement and cost savings through modern technology and raw materials.
• Brief technologists on approved quality improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Communicate the impact of materials, machine requirements, and process flows on business costs.

Team Coordination and Self-Management:

• Drive performance appraisals and ensure targets are clear and achievable.
• Develop personal development plans and champion training for the technical team.
• Foster a culture of excellence and commitment within the business unit.

Technical Expertise and Insight:

• Provide expertise in management meetings and recommend solutions based on research.
• Offer practical insights to internal and external clients.
• Resolve quality and technical issues raised by customers and consumers.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Drive technical customer service through KPI achievement.
• Engage with customers to address issues and requirements.
• Understand customer technical and quality assurance needs.

Operations Management:

• Implement production processes to increase operational effectiveness.
• Optimize plant line efficiencies through new developments and cost-saving projects.
• Reduce plant wastages and conduct effective time and motion studies.
• Ensure effective use of raw materials in recipe formulations.

Compliance Management:

• Guide the technical team to implement legislative and industry standards in new product development.
• Ensure adherence to all legislative and industry standards.
• Take action to address non-compliance and analyze technical reports for compliance.

Leadership:

• Lead the technical team to meet strategy and targets.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals to ensure KPIs are met.
• Manage technical employee relations and facilitate interventions for non-compliance.