Research & Development Manager

Pizza Hut Africa is looking for a Research & Development leader who is responsible for leading Food objectives and annual operating plans of PH Africa through innovation initiatives as well as ensuring all core ingredients are meeting the brand standard specifications. The role includes leading the development and implementation of food vision, innovation pillars and new products in a highly competitive fast paced environment and ensuring local suppliers can produce key global ingredients in the market with brand standard quality and performance.

Core Duties/Responsibilities:

Demonstrates a practical approach and knowledge of product development, operational systems, supplier food processing, and unit economics. 

• Leads projects and product development processes required to implement the food vision and business strategy for new and existing products and categories by influencing and advancing projects on your own, with a strategic understanding of the deliverables, strong technical acumen, and communication. 
• Develops project work plans and cross-functional timelines from bench top to commercialization to launch, while proactively assessing and adjusting for potential risks. 
• Leverages knowledge and data of consumer trends and product insights to ensure compliance and achievement of business requirements and goals 
• Proactively direct and manage suppliers to develop, optimize and commercialize ingredients in support of the development goals and initiatives in conjunction with Supply Chain.
• Develop procedures to ensure field readiness incorporating operations input. Support training in the development of training materials
• Effectively work with Marketing and Operations to gain consumer feedback and make appropriate ingredient and product modifications. 
• Cross functional work with Brand marketing and agencies to develop innovation pillars and pipeline products from concept to roll out in support of strategic initiatives. Every new product must meet consumer, finance and ops wins, following the markets acceptance norms, C.O.S. targets and operational execution requirements (filters of operations). 
• Leads nutritional information and changes to menu items
• Demonstrate ability to analyze technical data, anticipate project next steps and make recommendations. 
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of cross-functional team roles and responsibilities, exemplifying functional excellence while representing Quality Assurance and Product Development from concept through implementation
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food forward mindset in the organization.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• B.S. or higher in Food Science, Food Technology.  Culinary background preferred. 
• 5-7 years in food related industry
• Strong knowledge and experience in food and beverage product development from bench-top to full-scale commercialization with a proven track record of success. 
• Understands how product and menu development impacts the broader business and anticipates needs and challenges that come from other functions such as Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance. 
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization to influence food initiatives.
• Knowledge on Dairy (cheese) and Dough Processing and HACCP programs is a plus
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously within aggressive timetables. 
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Leadership skills with ability to lead a divergent group of operators, franchisees and senior management through influence and persuasion 
• Ability to work unsupervised, proactively, and anticipate needs of the organization.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, ability to multi-task with several priorities 
• Flexibility, high-energy level, drive for results attitude – step change thinker!
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• A team player who can be accountable, flexible and possess a drive for results attitude.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and timelines involving numerous cross-functional partners. 
• Knowledge of sensory, experimental design, and consumer research methodologies. 
   

Please note our office is located in Johannesburg. 

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