Research & Development Technical Manager

at  Dnata Catering

DO YOU WANT A HIGH-FLYING CORPORATE CAREER WORKING FOR AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST READY-MADE MEAL MANUFACTURER, SERVICING DIVERSE INDUSTRIES INCLUDING AVIATION AND RETAIL?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Research & Development Technical Manager or Senior Food Technologist to join our team based at Brisbane.

ABOUT US:

We are Australia’s leading readymade meal manufacturer, providing full-service large volume catering solutions for a diverse range of customers across aviation, retail, health & aged care, correctional facilities, and export markets. Based in Crestmead, Queensland, we produce more than 16 million meals every year.
Sister brand of dnata catering & retail and marhaba, together we deliver extensive service capabilities across inflight catering and retail, food manufacturing, and airport lounge management.
Parent company dnata – part of the Emirates Group – is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and inflight catering and retail services, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently.
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MORE ABOUT THIS ROLE:

Reporting to the Manager Operations, this role will be responsible for managing the development process to match business and customer needs. The Research & Development Technical Manager will work with the R&D Executive Chef to manage innovative meal and meal component development activities, ensuring that client requirements are met or exceeded.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

• Liaises with Supply Chain through R&D Team to ensure adequate raw materials and packaging suppliers are Approved via specifications and appropriate processes
• Develop KPI’s for all areas of meal development and implementation to ensure timely and appropriate new menu commercialization.
• Support the Business Development function with appropriate product and process development.
• Drive the product costing process through timely exchange of data and meetings.
• Manage the development, implementation and monitoring of recipes and Bills of Materials and Routings (recipes) for all products.
• Establish guidelines and procedures for yield and materials waste management and ensures meals and meal components are developed to make the most cost-effective and efficient use of materials and equipment.
• Manage the product specification process in conjunction with clients and SF Management.
• Establish timelines for new menu implementation to support clients requirements and in conjunction with Supply Chain and Operations
• Seek cost improvement on existing product lines

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING THIS ROLE?

• Experience in cooking techniques
• Proven experience in client liaison and client relationship management.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (eg Food Technology)
• Excellent written and spoken communication, negotiation, and commercial skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent attention to details
• Highly motivated with proven problem-solving skills.
• Evidence of successful team leadership
• Leadership abilities, including mentoring other Food Technologists and R&D team members.
• Emphasis on innovation and sustainability, actively seeking new ideas in food and packaging.
• Skilled in gathering customer feedback and presenting effective options and resolutions.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of a close knit & dedicated team that is committed to safety.
• Free onsite parking and meals
• Career development and progression, coupled with national relocation opportunities.
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Discounts at hundreds of retailers, discounted health insurance and wellbeing resources including online exercise classes.