Research & Development Manager at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    

• Lactalis South Africa is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research & Development Manager to lead and support innovation and product development across our Cheese, Butter, and Powders categories.
• This role is pivotal in driving projects from concept through to commercialisation, including new product development, reformulations, and quality improvement initiatives, in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives

Required Skills    

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in R&D management within the dairy industry – mandatory.
• Proven track record in project management within an R&D setting.
• Deep understanding of ingredient functionality, technical fundamentals, and processing technologies.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to travel extensively and work variable hours to meet trial & development requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and compliance standards

Duties & Responsibilities    
Product Development

• Lead and execute the end-to-end product development process—from ideation, recipe formulation, trials, scale-up in manufacturing and commercialization.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments and experimental design using sound scientific methodology.
• Ensure adherence to internal trial protocols and compile comprehensive technical reports for each stage of development.
• Ensure all products are safe for consumer use, ensuring raw materials and finished goods meet safety and specification standards.

Product Specifications & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and maintain accurate R&D documentation at all stages of the product life cycle.
• Ensure product designs comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies related to labelling, safety, and quality.

Technical Support & Problem Solving

• Provide expert technical support to Manufacturing, Procurement, and Suppliers by troubleshooting quality and operational challenges.
• Deliver actionable recommendations and data-driven insights to optimize efficiency and increase production capabilities.

Organisational Excellence & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain a strong technical network across functions, for local and global teams.
• Ensure timely and effective communication with stakeholders to drive project delivery.
• Foster a collaborative environment to promote team engagement and cross-functional success.

Closing Date    

• 2025/06/13