R&D Operations Senior Manager at RB

This role requires a strong and dynamic candidate who will be responsible for providing R&D; support to the product categories of responsibility, enabling protection and growth of the existing business as well as delivery of cost saving programs to increase the profitability of existing products. You will be required to develop and drive strategy and prioritization of activities in alignment with business partners and targets as well as lead development of new ways of working to improve efficiency & quality of department output and overall organization performance.

You will need to ensure that facilities and processes are operated with a prioritization to Health and Safety and also to the required standards of good manufacturing and laboratory practice. Ensure that all work performed is subject to the scrutiny of internal and external auditors.

As an integral member of an experienced and dynamic R&D; team, you will R&D; business partner with cross functional senior leaders to protect and optimize base business. You will need to build key business relationships with senior people up in the supply management teams, procurement, regional marketing / commercial teams and wider R&D; Matrix including Regulatory, R&D; Category, Medical Science, Quality and Safety.
 

Is this you?

• Strong sense of urgency and ability to perform under pressure and adapt to change.
• Action- orientated and focused problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Capable of building strong interpersonal skills, working relationships and strong networking and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of the product development process from concept ideation to launch.
• Strong formulation knowledge and understanding of chemical interactions.
• Ability to manage, control and optimize budgets for teams and projects and understanding of P&L; management.
• 6- 9 years relevant R&D; experience including proven track record of successful delivery of technical projects in a FMCG company.
• Proven track record of planning, prioritization and implementation of projects as well as identifying cost saving opportunities and problem solving ability.
• Knowledge of performance testing and market research, effective selection of scale-up strategies, equipment and process parameters and application of quality, sustainability and regulatory standards.
• Experience with people management, recruitment and development of people.
• Educated to Bachelors degree level (chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering or other relevant science). PhD or Masters beneficial.
• Computer literate including MSOffice.
• Must be a RSA citizen.