R&D Optimisation Manager

Location - Newmarket / Henderson, Auckland

About the Opportunity

We're looking for a driven and commercially minded R&D professional who is passionate about continuous improvement and delivering measurable business outcomes. The ideal candidate will bring a strong Food manufacturing background, a solid understanding of formulation, product and process development, and proven success in delivering optimisation and cost-saving initiatives. You will be systems-savvy, commercially astute, and capable of leading complex projects from concept through to successful implementation.

With strong stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills, you will confidently influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams to drive results. This is a hands-on role requiring a visibility across our three production sites, working closely with Packaging, Operations, Technical, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure optimisation opportunities are effectively implemented and deliver sustainable business value.

Reporting to the Head of Research & Development, you will lead the R&D optimisation programme, identifying and delivering opportunities that create measurable value through formulation, ingredient, packaging, specification, and systems optimisation. Taking ownership from opportunity identification through to implementation and benefit realisation, you will play a critical role in improving business performance while maintaining product quality and compliance.

In addition, you will oversee R&D systems, master data, and processes, driving continuous improvement across the function and leading the R&D Systems Specialist to ensure data integrity, operational efficiency, and effective ways of working

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and deliver the R&D optimisation portfolio, from identifying opportunities through to implementation and benefit realisation.
• Lead formulation, ingredient, and specification optimisation initiatives that improve cost, quality, and product performance.
• Develop business cases, track commercial benefits, and ensure delivery against optimisation targets.
• Partner with cross-functional teams across Packaging, Procurement, Operations, Technical, and Supply Chain to evaluate and execute optimisation opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement across R&D systems and processes to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and ways of working.

What You'll Bring

• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline, with significant R&D experience.
• 8-10 years' experience in product development, formulation, optimisation, or technical project leadership within FMCG.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, packaging, and commercial product delivery.
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional projects and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement capabilities; experience leading optimisation or transformation programmes is highly desirable.

We are a values-driven FMCG business committed to delivering quality products, continuous innovation, and sustainable growth. Guided by our values, we foster a collaborative and high-performing culture where people are empowered to make a real impact and drive meaningful change.

Why Join Us?

Alongside a competitive rewards package including 4% KiwiSaver, medical and life insurance, staff product discounts, free onsite parking, and career development opportunities, you'll join a values-driven business where One Team, One Direction means we collaborate to achieve shared goals , Hungry for Better inspires us to continuously improve, Do What's Right guides our decisions and actions, and We Care reflects our commitment to our people, customers, animals, and planet. It's a place where you can make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a supportive and high-performing environment.

If you're passionate about optimisation, innovation, and creating meaningful business impact in a dynamic FMCG environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of our R&D function.