R&D; Product Category Lead
Primo Foods is Australia's most recognised and trusted smallgoods brand, proudly part of JBS Australia, the country's largest and most respected meat and food producer.
From our beginnings in a small butcher shop in ****, we've grown into the market leader in high-quality smallgoods.
At Primo, our people are the key to our success.
Their passion, skill and care go into every product we make, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to deliver food that's simply made better to taste better.
Join a team that takes pride in what we do and is driven to keep raising the bar; there's good, there's great, and then there's Primo.
About the Role
As our R&D; Product Category Lead, you will own the delivery of the innovation, renovation and value creation agenda for Primo's Snacking & New Innovation category.
Leading a team of three R&D; professionals and sitting on the R&D; Leadership Team, you will bring strategy to life through the successful delivery of NPD, EPD, private label, export and foodservice initiatives.
This newly created role has been established to strengthen project execution, build team capability and accelerate innovation delivery across one of Primo's most strategically important growth categories.
Key Responsibilities
Own and deliver the category innovation, renovation and value creation roadmap aligned to business strategy and customer priorities
Lead, coach and develop a team of three R&D; professionals, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
Drive the successful execution of complex NPD, EPD,



private label, export, QSR/foodservice and technology platform projects
Manage the category project portfolio, ensuring effective prioritisation, resource allocation and delivery against timelines
Translate consumer, customer, market and technical insights into commercially viable product opportunities
Partner with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, Procurement and Supply Chain to align priorities and deliver business outcomes
Provide hands‐on technical leadership across formulation, trials, scale‐up and commercialisation activities
Drive cost optimisation, ingredient innovation and process improvement initiatives that create measurable value
Ensure robust food safety, quality, regulatory and stage‐gate governance throughout the product development lifecycle
Identify opportunities to improve R&D; processes, capability, efficiency and ways of working across the function
Represent category priorities, risks and opportunities within leadership and cross-functional forums
About You
Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology or a related food discipline
Minimum 8 years' experience within R&D;, product development & food manufacturing
Proven experience leading,



coaching or mentoring technical teams and developing capability in others
Demonstrated success driving & delivering complex product development and commercialisation projects from concept through to launch
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build alignment across multiple functions
A curious, solution-focused and commercially minded leader who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys challenging the status quo
Exposure to meat processing, meal solutions , snacking or related FMCG categories will be highly regarded.
Why Join Primo?
At Primo, we're committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and connected.
You'll also enjoy:
Discounts on health insurance and a range of leading retail partners
Exclusive savings at our onsite butcher and deli shop
Free onsite parking for an easy commute
Paid parental leave
Access to novated leasing options to help you save on the cost of owning and running a vehicle
Discounts on car rentals worldwide for personal travel
Discounted travel benefits through our global employee partner network
Long term growth opportunities and development opportunities within a leading FMCG business
The opportunity to work with one of Australia's most recognised food brands
A collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation and excellence
The chance to help shape the future of product innovation within a business that is committed to driving meaningful change
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