R&D Manager

R&D Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an emerging R&D leader looking to accelerate their career!  The R&D Manager will lead and implement product development plans that execute multiple product innovation and renovation projects from concept and recipe development to trial and factory validation and commercial production.  We have big growth plans ahead and this role is pivotal to our success! 

ABOUT US

Barambah Organics is an award-winning Australian consumer dairy business, with iconic and well-known milk, yoghurt, cheese, cream and dairy beverage products. We have a real passion to deliver high quality and great tasting products to our consumers and a vibrant workplace for our team.   

In addition to the Barambah Organics Brand following an acquisition in 2021, we now include the award winning five:am yoghurt brand to our portfolio, made organically and locally at our Carrum Downs factory in Victoria.

THE ROLE

Our innovative brands have an exciting vision for the future, and we are looking for an R&D Manager to lead all technical activities across our sites associated with developing and commercializing new products in dairy categories (Yoghurt, Cheese, Milk, Cream) to support both existing and new business. 

Reporting to the GM Marketing, this is a hands-on role where the R&D Manager will apply sound scientific methods in all stages of development, including planning and executing trials, analysing data, and defining solutions to reach product targets at specified costs.

Based at Carrum Downs, this role has one direct report and is responsible for developing them to achieve high levels of performance and engagement within the R&D team.  You will also work in close partnership with cross-functional disciplines (sales, marketing, operations etc) to enable the execution of the innovation pipeline with excellence. 

The key responsibilities of the role are: 

• Manage a product development team (and operate at a hands-on level) to deliver projects that successfully meet key product attributes, on time, to cost of goods targets with a seamless transition to commercial production.
• Manage all stages of product development including planning and executing trials, analysing data, translating to actionable recommendations and completion of product handover to the production team
• Define the Gold Standard for all branded products and lead continuous improvement projects (CIPs) to get all branded products to reach Gold Standard.
• Lead the review and validation of technical specifications and documenting processes
• Develop, test and evaluate new products in line with business requirements, bringing food science and commercialisation expertise to lead site team through the process
• Manage all aspects of technical documentation - writing briefs for new products, maintaining specifications in line with regulations, artwork management
• Determine commercial viability, negotiating and resolving packaging and labelling issues, and reviewing technical and quality data on all products.
• Develop and lead Sensory Evaluation process
• Lead and own the company stage gate process for innovation projects

ABOUT YOU

This exciting role is best suited to an ambitious team player and natural organiser who can build great relationships easily.  You are a future leader, looking to accelerate your career and build-on your existing technical expertise with a great deal of exposure and the opportunity to grow. 

You will have a high level of attention to detail and love managing projects!  Your strong organisation and project management skills ensure success when managing and delivering multiple projects concurrently and when leading cross-functional teams.  You are not afraid to hold people accountable!

Your previous years' experience have been spent in FMCG (ideally food or beverage product development) and you enjoy having a hands-on approach including engaging in bench and factory trials where required. 

The successful candidate will ideally have:          

• Tertiary qualifications in Food Science or other related Science disciplines paired with strong ingredient knowledge in area of batter and coatings technology for different reconstitution methods
• Significant experience in food or beverage product development 
• Strong organisation and project management skills, 
• Experience conducting Sensory Evaluation panels and leading the process 
• Thought leadership paired with hands-on approach, motivated to engage in bench and factory trials where required
• Ability to interpret FSANZ standards and internal policies (e.g. nutrition) and incorporate into product design
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP processes. Experience enabling functional compliance with relevant Acts/ Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards.
• Analytical mind set along with strategic thinking to be able to plan for long term
• Passionate foodie, with a love of learning about food trends and its role within broader culture.

This is a great opportunity to join our high performing team supporting both Barambah Organics and five:am brands.

If this sounds like a role for you, please submit your resume and cover letter. 

Barambah Organics is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Please note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.