Job Description

Lactalis South Africa is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research & Development Manager to lead and support innovation and product development across our Cheese, Butter, and Powders categories. This role is pivotal in driving projects from concept through to commercialisation, including new product development, reformulations, and quality improvement initiatives, in alignment with the companys strategic objectivesRequired Skillsxc2xb7 Bachelors degree (or higher) in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.xc2xb7 Minimum of 5 years experience in R&D management within the dairy industry mandatory.xc2xb7 Proven track record in project management within an R&D setting.xc2xb7 Deep understanding of ingredient functionality, technical fundamentals, and processing technologies.xc2xb7 Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.xc2xb7 Flexibility to travel extensively and work variable hours to meet trial & development requirements.xc2xb7 Strong interpersonal, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills.Sound knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and compliance standards
Duties & Responsibilities. Product Developmentxc2xb7 Lead and execute the end-to-end product development processxe2x80x94from ideation, recipe formulation, trials, scale-up in manufacturing and commercialization.xc2xb7 Conduct technical feasibility assessments and experimental design using sound scientific methodology.xc2xb7 Ensure adherence to internal trial protocols and compile comprehensive technical reports for each stage of development.xc2xb7 Ensure all products are safe for consumer use, ensuring raw materials and finished goods meet safety and specification standards.2. Product Specifications & Regulatory Compliancexc2xb7 Develop and maintain accurate R&D documentation at all stages of the product life cycle.xc2xb7 Ensure product designs comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies related to labelling, safety, and quality.3. Technical Support & Problem Solvingxc2xb7 Provide expert technical support to Manufacturing, Procurement, and Suppliers by troubleshooting quality and operational challenges.xc2xb7 Deliver actionable recommendations and data-driven insights to optimize efficiency and increase production capabilities.4. Organisational Excellence & Stakeholder Engagementxc2xb7 Establish and maintain a strong technical network across functions, for local and global teams.xc2xb7 Ensure timely and effective communication with stakeholders to drive project delivery.xc2xb7 Foster a collaborative environment to promote team engagement and cross-functional success.