Research & Development Lead

SUMMARY:
Our Food Manufacturing client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research & Development Lead to join their team in Pinetown. This role will drive product innovation, optimise formulations, and enhance manufacturing processes across operations, ensuring efficient, scalable, and commercially viable solutions.
The successful candidate will take ownership of end-to-end product development, from concept through to commercialisation, within a fast-paced FMCG environment.
 
With a strong focus on high-speed packing lines, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making, this role will be instrumental in improving product performance, reducing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency.
 
Reporting directly to the COO, this position requires both strategic leadership and hands-on involvement in product development, trials, and factory implementation.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead all New Product Development (NPD) projects from concept to launch
• Identify market trends, gaps, and opportunities for new and improved products
• Develop robust, commercially viable formulations aligned with business objectives
• Conduct bench trials, pilot trials, and full-scale factory trials
• Evaluate ingredient functionality, product stability, and shelf life
• Translate product concepts into scalable processes suited for high-speed production
• Drive continuous improvement, value engineering, and cost optimisation initiatives

• Develop products for international markets in line with country-specific regulations
• Ensure compliance with export legislation, labelling, and certification requirements
• Collaborate with commercial teams to support global product strategies
• Maintain accurate documentation across all development stages

• Manage Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) processes
• Assess supplier capabilities and ensure compliance with required standards
• Support sourcing of ingredients, raw materials, and packaging
• Maintain and control raw material specifications and documentation
• Oversee certification processes (e.g. Halaal, Kosher)

• Plan and execute lab, pilot, and production trials
• Lead product scale-up from development to full commercial production
• Identify and resolve technical challenges during implementation
• Support production teams during product launches and initial runs
• Ensure effective handover to operations with clear processes and training

• Evaluate and approve packaging materials and formats
• Ensure packaging suitability for product integrity and high-speed manufacturing
• Review packaging artwork to ensure regulatory compliance

• Ensure adherence to FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, and related standards
• Participate in HACCP risk assessments and food safety processes
• Manage allergen, microbiological, and chemical risk considerations
• Support audit preparation and compliance requirements
• Investigate product and customer complaints and implement corrective actions

• Develop and maintain product specifications, SOPs, and nutritional information
• Ensure compliance with labelling regulations (R.146 and export requirements)
• Review and approve packaging and labelling for legal compliance
• Maintain accurate and controlled documentation throughout development

• Collaborate closely with Production, QA, Procurement, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support compliance with hygiene, safety, and quality standards across departments
• Implement systems and processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste

• Strong formulation and product development expertise
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability
• Proven project management and multitasking ability
• Commercial awareness, including costing and margin optimisation
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• High attention to detail, particularly in compliance and documentation
• Proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint
• Self-driven, adaptable, and able to perform in a fast-paced environment

• BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Consumer/Analytical Science, or related field
• National Diploma in Food Technology (minimum requirement)
• 2–5+ years’ experience in Product Development or R&D (essential)
• 5–10 years’ experience within FMCG food manufacturing (preferred for senior level)
• Experience within contract manufacturing / third-party packing (advantageous)
• Working knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, AIB, or similar food safety systems (essential)
• Exposure to export product development and regulatory requirements (advantageous)