R&D Manager (Talent Pipeline) - Randfontein at RCL Foods

Job Description    
The Recruitment Team is currently building a talent pool of candidates who would be interested in joining RCL FOODS in the future!

• At RCL Foods we Grow What Matters together through our people and our unique culture, Our Way, An inclusive and high-performing culture with uncompromising integrity at its heart that is built on empowerment – where people are trusted and encouraged to take ownership and accountability – where we work together and accept responsibility for our actions.
• An inclusive and high-performing culture with uncompromising integrity at its heart that is built on empowerment – where people are trusted and encouraged to take ownership and accountability – where we work together and accept responsibility for our actions.
• We are currently seeking to build up a talent pipeline for a  R&D Manager to join our Growth Division. 
• The ideal candidate should have an enquiring and innovative mindset and be passionate about pets and their nutritional needs. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the delivery of innovation projects, developing a high performing team and inspiring customer and consumers through new products and solutions. A keen understanding of the pet nutrition and the pet food categories will be advantageous.
• As the manager of this growth function, you will be responsible for developing future innovation funnels, ensuring innovation projects and the cross functional teams are accountable to timelines. As a key function to generating growth, the R&D Manager will be required to keep the business informed in terms of category innovation trends and build ideation pipelines. This requires close collaboration with marketing teams.

Minimum Requirements    

• BCs (Agric) animal science, MSc Animal nutrition. Ideally experience in pet nutrition. Other scientific based qualifications with the relevant experience will be considered.
• 5 years’ experience in an R&D function, preferably in a leadership role.
• Strong entrepreneurial skills, with an ability to navigate change and challenges effectively.
• Marketing and consumer insights exposure will be preferable.
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams and execution of innovation strategy.
• Proven track record of new product innovation
• Strong supplier relationship management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities 

• As the R&D Manager, you will be responsible for implementing the innovation strategy for the pet food division.
• You will deliver sustainable product innovation funnels for a five-year period, keeping aligned to category and marketing strategies.
• You will be a member of the broader RCL Foods R&D function where you will be expected to form key relationships and partnerships with other R&D teams, enabling cross category collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customer partners, suppliers, and business partners to facilitate growth for the operating unit.
• Accountable for the day-to-day management of the R&D department, including generating meaningful reports, budgeting, and staff supervision.
• Keeping track and managing project timelines. Ensuring cross functional project teams hold regular meetings and ensure accountability for project goals and return on investment.
• Ensure audit/legal compliance and policy adherence to maintain standards and ethical business practices.
• Build a purpose driven culture of high performance and accountability through inspiring leadership.
• Grow and develop a team of motivated and purpose driven R&D technologists.