Kinrise is a growing, privately owned powerhouse in Australian food manufacturing with some of Australiase most loved and innovative brands.
We describe ourselves as a 'start up with scale' and have a burning ambition to grow our business.
Formed in **** the Kinrise portfolio covers Biscuits, Breakfast, Baking, Bakery, and Snackfood categories and has 40+ years making iconic Australian food, with a rich Australian heritage that's grounded in family origins.Kinrise is a growing, privately owned powerhouse in Australian food manufacturing, home to some of Australiase most loved and innovative brands.
At our Snackfoods business, we are home to iconic brands such as Cobs and Poppin popcorn brands.
We describe ourselves as a 'start-up with scale' and have a burning ambition to grow our business.We're seeking an experienced NPD Manager to lead the development and commercialisation of innovative food products across our growing snack foods portfolio.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on food scientist or R&D; professional who enjoys taking products from concept through to launch while driving continuous improvement and value engineering initiatives.Reporting to the Head of R&D; and NPD, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our innovation pipeline, developing market-leading products, optimising existing formulations and collaborating across the business to deliver exceptional consumer experiences.Please note that this is a Max-Term role until Feb ****, Full Time based in Dandenong South.About the role.As the NPD Manager, you'll lead end-to-end product development projects across multiple brands and categories, from concept creation and recipe development through to factory trials, validation, commercial production and post-launch review.You'll work closely with Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Sales and external suppliers to deliver innovative products that meet consumer needs while supporting business growth, operational efficiency and sustainability objectives.This role offers the perfect blend of innovation, technical leadership, commercial thinking and project management.Key Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:Innovation & New Product DevelopmentLead end-to-end new product development projects from concept through to commercial launchDevelop innovative food products,



recipes and packaging solutions aligned with consumer and market trendsConduct product formulation, prototyping and feasibility assessmentsManage factory trials, scale-up activities and commercial validation processesConduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies to optimise product performance and consumer experiencePartner with Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure products align with brand strategiesIdentify emerging food trends, technologies and ingredients to strengthen the innovation pipelineProvide technical expertise to support capital investment decisions and new processing technologiesCoordinate innovation showcases and present emerging concepts to key stakeholdersProduct Improvement & Value EngineeringLead continuous improvement initiatives across existing product portfoliosIdentify opportunities to improve product quality, efficiency, sustainability and profitabilityDrive annual value engineering programmes and cost-saving projectsPartner with Operations to improve manufacturing efficiencies, line speeds, changeovers and product performanceEvaluate ingredients, packaging and manufacturing processes to optimise commercial outcomesSupport initiatives that reduce waste and improve environmental sustainabilityProject Management & Stakeholder EngagementManage multiple NPD and renovation projects simultaneouslyDevelop project timelines, risk mitigation plans and launch schedulesCollaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, Procurement, Quality and OperationsBuild strong relationships with ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers and industry partnersProvide regular project updates and technical reports to senior leadershipEnsure projects are delivered on time, in full and within agreed budgetsQuality, Compliance & Food SafetyEnsure compliance with FSANZ requirements, food safety standards and regulatory obligationsMaintain product specifications,



technical documentation and compliance recordsSupport internal and external quality auditsEnsure all new products meet customer, consumer and quality expectationsChampion safe product design and manufacturing excellencePromote a strong health, safety and quality culture across the businessAbout You.To succeed in this role, you will be a commercially minded food professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.You will bring:Proven experience leading successful food innovation and NPD projectsStrong knowledge of food science, food technology and food manufacturing processesExperience conducting sensory evaluation and shelf-life testingSound understanding of FSANZ regulations and food compliance requirementsExcellent project management and prioritisation skillsStrong commercial acumen with the ability to balance innovation, cost and operational requirementsExceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skillsAnalytical problem-solving capabilities and a continuous improvement mindsetAbility to thrive in a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environmentA hands-on approach with strong accountability and ownershipExperienceMinimum 5 years' experience in Research & Development, Food Technology or New Product DevelopmentExperience within FMCG food manufacturingDemonstrated success delivering products from concept to commercialisationExperience working within a fast-paced, commercially focused manufacturing environmentProven track record of innovation, renovation and value engineering deliveryWhy Join Us?
Kinrise is a fast paced, agile business that focuses on your talents and challenges you to perform at your best.
An opportunity with us would mean:An opportunity to work with leading Australian-made brands and productsAn exciting role in a growing business with a outstanding history and an ambitious growth agendaSupportive and collaborative team cultureKinrise is committed to creating an environment that welcomes all, celebrates our diversity in all its forms and fosters an environment of inclusion.
We recognise that our unique differences are what sets us apart and how we succeed as a team.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
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📌 Npd Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Kinrise
📍 Melbourne