Johannesburg: Research and Development Manager

April 21, 2026 Jobs in Central Johannesburg

Job Description

About the Role

The Research and Development Manager will play a critical role in driving innovation and continuous improvement within our organization, overseeing the execution of product development stages from concept to launch, while supporting business goals. This position requires a strong understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product development.

Key Responsibilities

Project manage and execute stages of the product development process from concept to launch to support business goals.
Support in the execution of shelf-life testing and reporting.
Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product development to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Assist in product optimization, including manufacturing and R&D procedures.
Creation and/or updating and maintenance of provisional and finished product specifications.
On-going review of labels and specifications.
Prepare and contribute to technical documents. (I.e. work instructions, SOPs, and records.)
Oversee purchasing of R&D test equipment and other lab supplies.
Conduct internal audits.
Monthly project reporting.
Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with supply chain and Operations.
Suggest training tools to enhance employee performance and skill development.
Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
Actively lead in team engagement action planning and implementation.
Help organize and participate in field trials as required.
Work closely with internal product teams to understand and address their requirements.

Requirements

BSc in Food Science, Biochemistry or similar
B.Tech Food Technology
5 yrs NPD management exp
5 yrs Hands on experience in a food manufacturing facility
5 yrs Project leadership skills
Sound knowledge of quality standards, micro and analytical testing
Strong knowledge of food product applications formulation and problem solving

Qualifications

No specific qualifications mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

Salary details not specified.

View Job Johannesburg: Snr Industrial Chemist - Cement Based Adhesives And Emulsions

How to Apply

Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.

About Scientific / QA Jobs in Gauteng

In Gauteng, the demand for scientific and QA (Quality Assurance) professionals is on the rise due to the growing need for innovative solutions in various industries. Typically, these roles are sought after by organisations seeking to improve product quality, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhance their overall competitiveness. Generally, job seekers in this field can expect a strong job market with a range of opportunities across different sectors.

When it comes to salary expectations, it’s common for scientific and QA professionals in Gauteng to earn salaries within the range of R600 000 to R1 200 000 per annum, depending on factors such as level of experience, company size, and industry sector. However, please note that actual salaries may vary widely based on individual circumstances, and these figures should be used only as a rough guide.

Common skills required for scientific and QA roles in Gauteng include technical expertise in fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, or mathematics; analytical and problem-solving skills; attention to detail; excellent communication and project management skills. Additionally, proficiency in software tools such as SQL, Python, or R is often advantageous. Many organisations also value candidates with experience working with industry-specific regulations, such as those in the pharmaceutical or automotive sectors.

Scientific and QA professionals can be found across various industries, including technology, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare. In the technology industry, for example, these roles are often crucial to ensuring that software applications meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. Similarly, in the financial services sector, scientific and QA professionals play a vital role in testing and validating banking systems.

For those seeking career development opportunities, scientific and QA roles can provide a solid foundation for advancement into senior technical positions or leadership roles. Many organisations also offer training and professional development programs to help employees enhance their skills and expertise. With experience and a strong track record of performance, it’s common for scientific and QA professionals in Gauteng to move into management or technical lead roles, where they can oversee teams and drive innovation initiatives.

View Job Nelspruit: Field Agronomist, Mpumalanga

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

GO APPLY NOW

Safe & secure application process

Explore More Opportunities

Jobs in Johannesburg

Jobs in Gauteng

Scientific / QA Jobs

Get Similar Job Alerts

Job Seeker Tip

Get references ready before you need them - keep in touch with past managers and colleagues.

How to Apply

Click “GO APPLY NOW” to visit the company’s application page.
Follow their instructions carefully.

JVR Jobs connects you with employers – we don’t process applications directly.