Position Title: Manager R&D

Position Type: Temporary - Full-Time ​

Position Location: Melbourne 

Grade: Grade 06 

Requisition ID: 34282 

 

 

About McCain.

At McCain, we’re feeding the world: from French fries to pizzas, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring our core values—Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality—shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain

 

About the team.

This position is part of our Research & Development team, reporting to the Head of R&D – ANZ.

The R&D Manager can be based in Melbourne or Ballarat and requires travel to different sites.

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract position.

 

About the role.

 

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading and executing the development of new products for the Australian and New Zealand markets. This role involves managing a team, driving innovation, and overseeing the entire product development process.

 

Lead and implement product development strategies from concept to commercial production.Manage and mentor a team focused on delivering product innovation and renovation projects.Oversee the entire product development process, including recipe creation, trials, and factory validation.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of the innovation pipeline.Drive the development of new product concepts into market-ready propositions.Coach and support direct reports, fostering high performance and engagement within the team.

About you.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in Food Science or other related Science disciplines. Minimum 5 years of technical and professional research & development experience in consumer goods, preferably in food. Experience managing a team of product developers. Experience working in a fast-paced, commercially-driven food company. Hands-on approach, motivated to engage in bench and factory trials where required.

 

 

Skills:

Strong ingredient knowledge in area of batter and coatings technology for different reconstitution methods.Ability to interpret FSANZ standards and internal policies (e.g. nutrition) and incorporate into product design. Mechanical / operational aptitude to understand implications of product design Experience in product performance and stewardship is desirable. General knowledge of manufacturing processes and experience of working in this environment. Capacity to plan, organize and manage multiple priorities. Deep knowledge of food safety and HACCP processes. Experience enabling functional compliance with relevant Acts/ Legal Requirements, Business Ethics and Food Manufacturing Standards.

 

Why join the McCain family.

Your Life – we’re here to help you fulfil your potential, flourish, and thrive in work and life.Your Success – work alongside passionate individuals who are committed to supporting your career ambitions, drive, and success.Your Impact – we want you to make a meaningful, lasting impact for you, for your colleagues, and for the business.

McCain is a place where you can grow from the ground up, so join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain.

 

Leadership Principles.

Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.

 

We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.

We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.

We bring out the best in our people. We create safe spaces for our people so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.

We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain.

 

The McCain experience.

We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually—your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we’re better together.

 

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace.  As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. 
 
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
 
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Employee Privacy Policy 

 

Job Family: Research & Development      
Division: Global Research and Development 
Department: ​R and D ANZ Meals and Veg ​
Location(s): AU - Australia : Victoria : Ballarat || AU - Australia : Victoria : Melbourne 

Company: McCain Foods (Aust) Pty.