R&D Manager

R&D Manager – International Innovation & Product Development

Lead the future of food innovation across global markets

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced R&D Manager to join a growing international FMCG business with ambitious expansion plans across North America and Asia. This role will be instrumental in driving consumer-led innovation, leading product development programs, and bringing new products from concept to commercialisation.

About the Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will lead end-to-end innovation and product development initiatives, partnering with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Procurement, Sales, Insights, Quality, and external manufacturing partners. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping the innovation pipeline, delivering commercially successful new products, and ensuring compliance across multiple international markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialisation of new food products from concept through launch.
• Drive product optimisation, value engineering, and supplier transition projects.
• Manage packaging innovation, validation, and implementation through manufacturing partners.
• Identify emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer trends to support future growth.
• Oversee technical specifications, product quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with stakeholders to manage project timelines, risks, and successful market launches.
• Translate consumer insights into actionable product innovation opportunities.
• Support expansion and product deployment across North America and Asian markets.
• Champion best-practice product development and project management processes.

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• 10 years experience in product development within FMCG or food manufacturing. Culinary experience is a strong advantage
• Proven success managing complex innovation and commercialisation projects.
• Experience leading packaging development and quality-focused initiatives.
• Strong understanding of food safety, regulatory requirements, and product compliance.
• Experience working with co-manufacturing or external manufacturing networks.
• Knowledge of high-temperature food processing is highly regarded.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and commercially minded.
• Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to drive outcomes across diverse teams.
• Curious, innovative, and consumer-focused.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Why Join

• Opportunity to shape innovation strategy across multiple international markets.
• Exposure to global product development and commercialisation programs.
• Work with a passionate team committed to growth, innovation, and consumer excellence.
• Significant autonomy and influence in a high-impact leadership role.
• International travel and collaboration with global partners.

Interested

If you're passionate about food innovation and have a track record of delivering successful product development projects in a fast-paced FMCG environment, we'd love to hear from you.Apply via LinkedIn or contact us confidentially for further information via [Confidential Information]