Job Description

About Us

n

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, creative 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.

n

About the Role

n

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.

n

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.

n

Key Responsibilities

n

n
- Lead the R&D; strategy and product innovation roadmap, aligning new product development initiatives with business objectives, consumer trends, and category growth opportunities.
n
- Manage the end‐to‐end product development lifecycle, leading Stage‐Gate processes from concept, prototyping and testing through to commercialisation and launch.
n
- Drive product design and technical research, leveraging expertise in ingredients, meat science, packaging, market trends, competitor analysis, and customer insights to identify new opportunities.
n
- Partner with cross‐functional stakeholders across Commercial, Operations, Quality,



Procurement and Logistics to deliver seamless product development and launch outcomes.
n
- Oversee R&D; governance, compliance and performance, including budget management, resource allocation, KPI tracking, FSANZ compliance, food safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
n

n

About You

n

n
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
n
- Extensive leadership experience managing technical teams and delivering successful product launches, including FMCG or agri‐manufacturing environments.
n
- Strong knowledge of product development methodologies, including Stage‐Gate, Agile, and Design Thinking frameworks.
n
- Demonstrated expertise interpreting FSANZ regulations and ensuring compliance throughout the product development process.
n
- Sound understanding of food safety, HACCP principles, and quality management systems.
n
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while delivering results to agreed timelines.
n
- Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
n
- Strong analytical and problem‐solving capabilities, supported by a commercially focused and data‐driven approach.
n
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical business outcomes.
n

n

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:

n

n
- Novated car leasing options, health insurance discounts, and retail partner savings.
n
- Free onsite parking and free onsite physiotherapy services.
n
- Heavily discounted premium meat products through our staff sales.
n
- Unmatched career progression pathways across the global JBS network.
n

n

Product Research & Development Manager

n

Date Posted: 14 Jul 2026

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Product Research & Development Manager (Victoria)
🏢 Andrews Meat
📍 Victoria