Research and Development Manager, Johannesburg

Research&Development Manager

Our client, a leading and innovative player within the FMCG / food manufacturing sector, is seeking a dynamic Research&Development Manager to take ownership of product innovation and drive the development of market-leading products. This is an exciting opportunity, based in Midrand for a technically strong, commercially minded professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-quality manufacturing environment and is passionate about bringing new products to life and continuously improving existing offerings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Take full ownership of the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from concept through to commercialization

Drive innovation by developing new products, formulations, and improvements to existing product ranges

Conduct detailed research, testing, and analysis to support product development and optimization

Oversee shelf-life testing, product validation, and quality assurance processes

Develop and maintain product specifications, technical documentation, and SOPs

Collaborate closely with operations, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to ensure successful product launches

Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous innovation

Manage multiple R&D projects, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to budget

Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment, testing protocols, and compliance standards

Conduct internal audits and ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards (HACCP, BRC)

Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team, fostering a high-performance and innovative culture

Present insights, findings, and recommendations to senior stakeholders and leadership teams

Minimum Requirements:

B-Tech / Advanced Diploma in Food Technology, Biotechnology, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Food Technology, Biology, or Biochemistry advantageous

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar R&D role within a manufacturing environment

Proven track record in food product development and project leadership

Strong understanding of scientific testing techniques and product analysis

Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, BRC)

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement ability

Remuneration:

Competitive salary: Market related

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