The Company
The leading agrifood organisation is entering an exciting phase of investment, with a strong focus on innovation-led growth, portfolio expansion, and capability enhancement across product development. With strong support and significant investment behind the innovation agenda, this is an opportunity to influence the future direction of a market-leading business.

The Role
The R&D Manager will hold accountability for the end-to-end innovation pipeline, from concept development through to commercialisation. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing the innovation and product development strategy aligned to business growth objectives
• Leading the end-to-end NPD and product renovation pipeline from concept through to commercial launch
• Managing cross-functional project teams across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, and Commercial functions
• Identifying emerging consumer, market, and technology trends to drive future growth opportunities
• Leading product optimisation, cost reduction, and value engineering initiatives
• Managing external partnerships with ingredient suppliers, research institutions, and industry bodies
• Building capability and leadership across the R&D function
• Managing R&D budgets, project prioritisation, and resource allocation
• Ensuring all products meet regulatory, food safety, quality, and customer requirements

Your Background

To be considered for this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience within R&D, Innovation or Product Development food, agricultural, or FMCG environments
• Proven success delivering commercially successful innovation programs and product launches
• Experience working across complex stakeholder groups including Operations, Sales, Marketing, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance innovation, customer expectations, and business outcomes
• Strong project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent development programs
• A collaborative and influential leadership style with the ability to drive outcomes across the organisation

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead R&D of a division of a significant agrifood businesses
• Strong investment in product development, capability building, and future growth initiatives
• Full ownership of the R&D function with direct influence on the division’s long-term innovation strategy

If you are interested or would like further information please contact Juliet Arduca at Blackbook Executive on 03 9823 7403.