Research, Development and Applications Manager
Durban - South Africa
Job Summary
Lead the development of innovative integrated beverage solutions that drive sustainable growth and profitability across the APMEA region. Act as the key technical expert on customer needs translating technology capabilities into commercially viable applications. Partner closely with commercial teams to support strategic initiatives and accelerate growth within key industrial beverage accounts.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate consumer and customer insights into differentiated application solutions.
- Deliver and execute value propositions for key and high-growth customers including training for commercial and technical teams.
- Collaborate with R&D and technology teams to:
- Optimise existing technologies within current applications.
- Identify and expand technologies into new application areas.
- Develop scalable solutions that enable multi-technology sales.
- Evaluate and integrate new technologies into existing platforms.
- Support internal and external product innovation processes (PIP).
- Maintain deep understanding of customer processes manufacturing technologies and application requirements.
- Act as a key technical interface between customers sales and internal stakeholders.
- Bachelors degree in Food Science Food Technology or related field.
- Minimum 8 years experience in beverage R&D applications or NPD roles.
- Strong background in industrial beverage manufacturing and processing.
- Solid knowledge of beverage and related categories (e.g. functional ingredients enzymes emulsifiers).
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate technical solutions into business value.
- Proven experience in customer engagement and technical support.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Self-driven with strong planning and execution capabilities.
- Proficient in standard computer applications.
Required Experience:
Manager