Research & Development Lead

My client in the FMCG industry is looking for a Research and Development Lead in the Durban area.

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree (Human Resources, Finance, Management, etc.)
• Masters Degree would be preferrable
• Proven experience in a relevant role.
• A strong sense of creativity aids in the process of thinking of new product ideas and solving problems creatively.
• Great problem-solving skills.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills are also important.
• The ability to communicate well with customers, colleagues, and lower-level staff.
• Hands-on experience in managing or leading a team of employees.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and good at managing time.
• Good business sense

Job Description:

We are looking for a smart and talented Research and Development lead who can perform several important roles within our organization. You will be responsible for research, planning, and implementing new products and protocols into the company in line with the sales and marketing strategy. You will also be required to oversee the entire development process of new products together with it’s process’s within the organization. Your active participation will be required from the initial planning phase to implementation or production work closely with, sales, marketing and our technical heads. Additionally, you will be required to keep track of all the costs related to the creation of these new products and decide what ideas are worth pursuing. You should also stay informed on what is happening in the industry in form of research and development field at large to make sure the company is up-to-date and current with the most advanced R&D developments

Responsibilities: 

The research and Development lead will have to use creative abilities and research methods to improve existing products based on industry trends and develop new products to meet the needs of the company’s target market. The employee will be expected to report on any technical product issues that are discovered during evaluation and manage product testing and trials, assessing the materials used, the efficiency of the process, and the effectiveness of the final product.

• Lead key projects with R&D to support business goals.
• Develop research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study the potential of new products.
• Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products.
• Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers.
• Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with Marketing, Sales and Operations.
• Transfer new technologies, products, and manufacturing processes into and out of the company.
• Research, design and evaluate products, assemblies, processes, and equipment.
• Suggest training tools to enhance employee performance, customer and skill development of both internal and external sources
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Manage customer relationships and perform RFP reviews, customer visits, and product testing.
• Establish and maintain testing procedures for assessing raw materials, in-process and finished products.
• Oversee complex research projects, analyse results and provide recommendations based on findings.
• Assess the scope of research projects and ensure they are on time and within budget.
• Be present at industry conferences on research topics of interest.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. To apply click on the "Apply" button where you will then be redirected to another site. If you have not heard from us in 3 weeks please consider your application unsuccessful.