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Research & Development Lead
Job Location:
Job Location:
Durban - South Africa
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
19 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
16 August 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job 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.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
Export Product Development
Supplier & Raw Material Management
Trials Scale-Up & Implementation
Packaging Development
Food Safety Quality & Compliance
Regulatory & Documentation
Cross-Functional Leadership
Key Competencies
Minimum Requirements
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
Export Product Development
- 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
Supplier & Raw Material Management
- 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)
Trials Scale-Up & Implementation
- 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
Packaging Development
- Evaluate and approve packaging materials and formats
- Ensure packaging suitability for product integrity and high-speed manufacturing
- Review packaging artwork to ensure regulatory compliance
Food Safety Quality & 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
Regulatory & Documentation
- 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
Cross-Functional Leadership
- 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
Key Competencies
- 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
Minimum Requirements
- BSc in Food Science Food Technology Chemistry Consumer/Analytical Science or related field
- National Diploma in Food Technology (minimum requirement)
- 25 years experience in Product Development or R&D (essential)
- 510 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)
About Company
A trusted recruitment partner to South African companies For more than two decades, The HR Company has assisted organisations across diverse industries to identify and employ top talent across a broad spectrum of roles, functions and levels of seniority. Candidates See our Current Vac ... View more
