Retail Food Group (RFG) is a global food and beverage company headquartered in Robina, Queensland. We are Australia’s largest multi-brand retail food and beverage franchise owner which also roasts and supplies high-quality coffee products. Our core focus lies with supporting its franchise partners to be more successful and to achieve greater profitability while at the same time working hard to ensure our customers enjoy the best products and services we have to offer.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Innovation Project Manager to join our team. As the Innovation Project Manager, you will play a key role in leading and managing Innovation Projects from conception to launch. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will drive initiatives that contribute to the continuous growth and success of our brands. Reporting to the GM Innovation, you will execute our Innovation Strategy and Plan, utilizing a Stage-and-Gate Innovation Process to ensure efficiency and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage Innovation Projects, from ideation to launch, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines.
- Lead cross-functional teams across all business functions to drive innovation initiatives.
- Develop robust business cases for new products and present to key Leadership Team members at Stage-and-Gate intervals.
- Participate in portfolio planning, prioritizing initiatives based on strategic fit and potential impact.
- Collaborate with external third parties to assess partnerships and licensing opportunities.
- Oversee, track, and report on innovation performance across the business.
- Create and manage project timelines for all innovation, EPD, and Change Control projects.
- Continuously manage resources within budget and timelines, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness.
- Utilize a Change Control process to manage product changes and deletions across brands.
- Keep abreast of industry developments and apply best practices to areas of improvement.
- Conduct post-launch analysis at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals.
- Foster collaboration across functions, external stakeholders, customers, and agency partners.
- Actively support and promote a connected and united focus within the organization.
- Set an example of our Franchise Partner-first culture within the Innovation Team and throughout the business.
- Ensure 100% completion of Performance Plans and Focused Development Plans, with regular reviews and commitments.
- Tertiary Qualifications in Business/Marketing, Environmental, or Science discipline.
- 2+ years' experience in end-to-end Project Management/Innovation within medium to large-scale FMCG or food manufacturing organizations.
- Exposure to cross-functional collaboration with functions such as Sales, Quality, Marketing, and Finance.
- Prior experience in New Product Development (NPD) and driving innovation initiatives.
- Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, adaptive environments while maintaining accountability.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work under pressure, adhering to conflicting deadlines to drive outcomes.
- Resilience and adaptability, with a hands-on approach to tasks.
- Organized and methodical in project management and documentation, preferably with experience using Monday.com or Asana.
- Proficiency in the MS Office package.
If you are dedicated to innovation and excellence in the food industry, we want to hear from you! Apply now to be part of an innovative and forward-thinking organization committed to delivering exceptional experiences to customers worldwide.