Research & Product Development Manager - #682331

About the opportunity

We’re pleased to invite applications for the newly created leadership position of Strategic Technical Development Manager as part of the Group Product & Brand team, based in Brompton, SA.

Reporting to the Group General Manager, Product & Brand, this is a key role in driving future growth and building on market knowledge in an environment of rapid technological change.

This is a rare opportunity to have impact across the Group. Through your continuous improvement focus and collaborative approach, you’ll work to embed the team as a valued partner across the business.

You’ll be responsible for the full scope of both people leadership and the technical management of the Detmold Group’s strategic New Product Development (NPD), Research & Development (R&D) and LaunchPad Laboratory (Lab) testing services/functions.

Ensuring functional alignment with Group strategy and accountability for the function’s development and performance, you’ll drive optimum value from existing resources and recommend new capabilities.

You’ll align and manage strategic partnerships with industry, customers, and research partners, ensuring the Group maintains technical leadership in its core product categories by building and sharing a deep understanding of emerging new packaging technologies and commercialising new technical solutions.

As part of your specific responsibilities, you will:

• Develop and manage the strategic direction, annual planning and ongoing operational effectiveness of the services functions and teams.
• Drive optimum Group value and Sales growth by enabling and prioritising NPD activities for the Group in line with Group strategy.
• Oversee and prioritise resources to support timely commercial and operationally effective project delivery.
• Develop external technical partnerships and participate in joint forums managing NDA’s, investment recommendations, research programs and promotion of Detmold Group.
• Drive and support the development of the NPD and Lab functions, improving collaboration, capability, productivity, and speed to market strategies.
• Monitor and report on ongoing performance including monthly activity/efficiency metrics and quarterly cost/effectiveness/value delivery metrics.

About you

What you’ll need:

• Extensive experience in a senior packaging/manufacturing R&D/NPD role.
• In-depth mechanical, chemical, and technical knowledge relevant to packaging.
• Proven experience in providing positive and effective leadership.
• The abilities to develop strategic plans, make sound commercial decisions and manage risk.
• Demonstrated experience delivering successful projects on time and within budget.
• The ability to build strong relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills.
• An excellent commercial understanding of manufacturing processes, including materials development/application/testing.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant technical or engineering discipline.

What we’ll offer you:

• A commitment to your ongoing professional development.
• A commitment to corporate social responsibility – we support local communities and charities and are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing.
• A health and wellbeing program so you feel supported to be at your best.
• Access to an active social club.

If you are looking to own a function and drive growth, we’d love to hear to from you.

Please note, applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

While applications must be made online, confidential questions are welcome by calling Donna Dittmar, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner on 0402 180 625.

If you would like to provide a cover letter as part of your application, please attach it to your resume and upload as one document.

We are a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

About us

The Detmold Group is a family-owned and operated global business, partnering with some of the world’s largest and most iconic food and retail brands to create world-class packaging for a better tomorrow.

Our business is focused on making a positive impact for our people, our partners and our planet whilst keeping our customers at the core of everything we do. Relentlessly looking for ways to improve quality, service, and efficiency, we are driven to improve the way the world experiences packaging.

Employee safety is our priority, and we want our people to be 100% SAFE & WELL.