Jobs in

General Manager: Research and Development - Johannesburg

  • Responsible for the strategy, priority setting, execution and delivery of local and or regional innovation projects in the factories and co-manufacturers.
  • Oversee all innovation development, product optimization.
  • Define and set priorities for the R&D innovation team; identifies and secures appropriate technical resources to bring project through to commercialization.
  • Responsible for handover to the factories as well as specifications enabling all current and new Innovations to be produced at optimal flexibility, cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Work closely with the GM VP Innovation to develop the direction for the innovation organization.
  • Oversee all innovation activities, scale up and commercialization.
  • Ensures team fully contributes to the key business management processes and forums.
  • Responsible for all local and regional innovation commercialization and specifications enabling all current and new Innovations to be produced at optimal flexibility, cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Partner with their Peers, the COEs, Engineering, Commercial and factory teams to input to the long-term strategy for innovation, using deep technical knowledge to develop, deliver growth.
  • Work with the COE teams to create, design and develop, and deliver innovation extending core.
  • Ensure that the Innovation process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.
  • Work with the global COEs and Technology teams to help set up technology and research strategies required by the factories.
  • Connect with peers and other functions to harmonize Innovation projects share best practices, and accelerate the global deployment of new innovations.
  • High performing leader from all aspects (talent management, horizontal accountability with fellow Management Team members), model of target behaviour
  • Collaborate with marketing, sales, and production teams to ensure successful business strategies execution and product launches.
  • Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources including personnel, equipment, and technology
  • Work closely with other departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing) to align R&D efforts with market needs and company goals.
REQUIRED MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Scientific Degree in Product, Product engineering, Chemical engineering, chemistry, or food science is required.
  • Minimum 10+ years in R&D with at least 5+ years in leadership roles
  • Excellent Project Management skills typically acquired through 8+ years of professional experience in leading Innovation projects as the key technical member on a cross-functional team. Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packages and processes.
  • High performing leader from all aspects (building R&D team, talent management, horizontal accountability with fellow Management Team members), model of target behaviour for R&D.
  • Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packs and processes.
  • High degree of ownership for his/her work, a big sense of urgency and an action-biased, positive attitude.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market insights into actionable R&D strategies and initiatives.
  • Prefer product development experience with value added bakery and emulsions.
Apply Now

Want to do another search?

Jobs in