Product Research & Development Manager

About Us

JBS Pork Australia is Australia’s leading integrated agri‑food company, supplying high‑quality pork to domestic and export markets across a network of farming, processing and distribution sites. As part of the global JBS group, we offer diverse career paths and the chance to contribute to a sustainable, innovative protein business. Our mission is to be the best in all that we do - focused on superior products and services, trusted supplier partnerships, and a better future for our people.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded R&D Product Manager based at Melbourne (Laverton) to lead the development and delivery of innovative food products from concept through to commercialisation. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing the R&D portfolio, driving product innovation, and ensuring successful product launches that meet consumer expectations, market trends, and business objectives.

Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, you will translate consumer insights into market-ready solutions while fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy and product innovation roadmap, aligning new product development initiatives with business objectives, consumer trends, and category growth opportunities.

• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, leading Stage-Gate processes from concept, prototyping and testing through to commercialisation and launch.

• Drive product design and technical research, leveraging expertise in ingredients, meat science, packaging, market trends, competitor analysis, and customer insights to identify new opportunities.

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders across Commercial, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Logistics to deliver seamless product development and launch outcomes.

• Oversee R&D governance, compliance and performance, including budget management, resource allocation, KPI tracking, FSANZ compliance, food safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.

• Extensive leadership experience managing technical teams and delivering successful product launches, including FMCG or agri-manufacturing environments.

• Strong knowledge of product development methodologies, including Stage-Gate, Agile, and Design Thinking frameworks.

• Demonstrated expertise interpreting FSANZ regulations and ensuring compliance throughout the product development process.

• Sound understanding of food safety, HACCP principles, and quality management systems.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while delivering results to agreed timelines.

• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, supported by a commercially focused and data-driven approach.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical business outcomes.

Why join JBS?

We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and connected. As part of a leading global food company, you will enjoy:

• Novated car leasing options, health insurance discounts, and retail partner savings.

• Free onsite parking and free onsite physiotherapy services.

• Heavily discounted premium meat products through our staff sales.

• Unmatched career progression pathways across the global JBS network.

Interested? APPLY NOW! Submit your resume and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position.