Midrand: R&D Manager posted by iStaff (Pty) Ltd

Purpose of the Role

• Lead the laboratory strategy and execution of timely flavour and colour product development.
• Manage projects, collaborate with technical and management teams, interpret client briefs, and ensure final products align with expectations and deadlines.

Requirements & Skills Needed

• Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related fields (essential).
• Additional management qualification (advantageous).
• Proven experience in managing laboratory teams with strong understanding of laboratory practices.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Experience in flavour evaluation, olfactive and gustatory profiling (advantageous).
• Understanding of the flavour & colour market (advantageous).
• Excellent project management and multitasking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities with stakeholder influence skills.
• Creative vision with ability to transform client briefs into innovative solutions.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to resolve technical challenges in flavour and colour development.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement project strategies for flavour and colour development.
• Manage multiple client briefs from concept to execution with timely delivery.
• Collaborate with management, flavour technologists, and creative teams to create innovative flavour profiles.
• Translate client requirements into clear development guidelines.
• Stay informed on market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to guide innovation.
• Establish and improve laboratory protocols and SOPs to enhance efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including sales, QC, and technical to achieve company goals.
• Oversee stability trials, troubleshooting, and evaluation of submissions.
• Mentor and develop junior staff to strengthen laboratory capabilities.
• Streamline development processes by utilising and updating the flavour & colour library.
• Provide monthly progress and resource reports to management.
• Manage training, testing, samples, packaging, consumables, and raw material inventory.