236 R D jobs in South Africa

We are looking for a dynamic and hands-on Manager to lead our Research & Development team. This role is based at our offices in Bryanston and reports to the Head of Portfolio Risk & Profitability.

The R&D Manager will be responsible for team leadership, hands-on testing, and translating field insights into strategic business improvements.
Main responsibilities of a Research & Development Manager:

• Engage directly with clients to test strategies, gather feedback, and validate concepts
• Lead a team of R&D professionals, providing coaching, direction, and support to ensure high performance
• Design and implement structured experiments to improve key performance metrics (conversion, premium, client satisfaction, etc.)
• Monitor results of live tests and iterate based on outcomes
• Use insights from client interactions to develop scalable solutions across departments
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategy and execution
• Track and report on the performance and impact of R&D initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and client journeys
• Support team development through mentorship and regular performance feedback

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Comfortable working hands-on with clients and systems
• Passionate about testing, learning, and continuous improvement
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong leadership and people management ability
• Resilient and able to navigate change and uncertainty
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage clients and influence internally
• Organised and able to manage time across operational and leadership duties
• Collaborative, with a team-first mindset

Qualifications & experience

• Matric
• Completed Degree or a 3-year Diploma from a reputable tertiary institution
• Excellent communication skills, fluent in English with a neutral accent
• At least 2 years’ experience in a leadership or coaching role
• Experience in client-facing roles, testing strategies, or process improvement is preferred

Ready to lead innovation and make a difference? Join our fast-paced, high-impact team! Apply now!

Please keep files smaller than 10MB. Files types we accept: .pdf, .doc, .docx

This role is ideal for a scientific professional with a strong background in formulation, compliance, and leadership. You will ensure the smooth progression of multiple R&D initiatives while mentoring a team and maintaining operational excellence.

This is a critical leadership role for someone passionate about driving innovation and excellence in product development.

Minimum Requirements :

• BSc in a scientific field, with Coschem Diploma / Cosmetic Formulation Diploma.
• Postgraduate qualification in Project Management.
• 68 years in cosmetic R&D, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects within time and budget.

Key Skills & Responsibilities:

• Oversee R&D lab operations and project timelines.
• Manage changes to raw materials, packaging, and stability testing.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and project reviews.
• Draft, maintain, and enforce departmental SOPs.
• Collaborate with QA and Manufacturing on troubleshooting and quality issues.
• Manage documentation, BOMs (Syspro), IEP/CEP samples, and MMI records.
• Lead and develop the R&D team; assess training needs and conduct appraisals.
• Support budget planning and manage consumables and equipment procurement.
• Compile raw material files and present monthly performance reports.

"Looking for a role that aligns with your package expectations, job level, or industry expertise? Apply now via our career portal:

• Lead the laboratory strategy and execution of timely flavour and colour product development .
• Manage projects, collaborate with technical and management teams, interpret client briefs, and ensure final products align with expectations and deadlines.

• Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related fields (essential).
• Additional management qualification (advantageous).
• Proven experience in managing laboratory teams with strong understanding of laboratory practices.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Experience in flavour evaluation, olfactive and gustatory profiling (advantageous).
• Understanding of the flavour & colour market (advantageous).
• Excellent project management and multitasking skills .
• Strong communication and presentation abilities with stakeholder influence skills.
• Creative vision with ability to transform client briefs into innovative solutions.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to resolve technical challenges in flavour and colour development.

• Develop and implement project strategies for flavour and colour development.
• Manage multiple client briefs from concept to execution with timely delivery.
• Collaborate with management, flavour technologists, and creative teams to create innovative flavour profiles.
• Translate client requirements into clear development guidelines.
• Stay informed on market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to guide innovation.
• Establish and improve laboratory protocols and SOPs to enhance efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including sales, QC, and technical to achieve company goals.
• Oversee stability trials, troubleshooting, and evaluation of submissions.
• Mentor and develop junior staff to strengthen laboratory capabilities.
• Streamline development processes by utilising and updating the flavour & colour library.
• Provide monthly progress and resource reports to management.
• Manage training, testing, samples, packaging, consumables, and raw material inventory.

R&D MANAGER

The R&D Manager is responsible for managing the R&D lab activities and for project management related to alternative raw materials, packaging changes, stability testing and post NPD to commercial launches. The successful incumbent will report to the Head of R&D.

Key Performance Areas

• Oversee all R&D lab activities, including setting weekly plans and monitoring progress.

• Manage projects related to regulatory compliance, changes in raw materials, new packaging, and product promotions.

• Chair weekly project tracker meetings, providing clear feedback to the Head of R&D and the broader team.

• Draft and approve departmental SOPs to ensure high standards and efficiency are maintained.

• Troubleshoot and collaborate with the Manufacturing and QA teams to resolve batch failures, reworks, and customer complaints.

• Administration of all documentation from Operational and Stability Chemists to internal and external stakeholders.

• BOM maintenance on Syspro.

• MMI storage, archiving, updating, and issuing.

• Control of IEP/CEP samples and reports.

• Manage and mentor the R&D team, conducting performance appraisals and identifying training needs.

• Ensure that Operational Chemist & Lab Assistants are adequately trained to take NPD and formula upgrade products forward once the project reaches commercial batch manufacturing stage.

• Team administration, including time and attendance monitoring and maintaining discipline.

• Support the Head of R&D in setting and monitoring the departmental budget.

• Manage departmental resources, including the purchasing of consumables and evaluating new equipment.

• Ensure accurate compilation of raw material files and other key documentation.

• Prepare and present monthly statistical reports to the Head of R&D.

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field with Coschem Diploma / Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation and a post graduate qualification in Project Management.

• A minimum of 6 - 8 years in a cosmetic R&D environment, at least 5 years of managerial experience in an R&D environment.

• Proven track record of managing projects, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget.

This position will conduct research in the field of emulsifiers andemulsion explosives. Will be responsible for evaluating alternative raw materials, characterisation and optimisation of current products,development of new products as well as continuous improvement projects as assigned.

• Degree or B. Tech in Chemistry

• 3 years demonstrated experience as a Chemist in a production environment
• 1 year working experience in an Explosives industry

Responsible for research projects

• Effective planning of research projects
• Execution of research projects
• Making sure that data is accurately recorded in accordance with guidelines

Conduct chemical analyses

• Perform daily routine tests and product development tests
• Reporting and presenting results

Technical support to manufacturing plants

• Play an active role in service, product and process innovation
• Interpretation of test results
• Make recommendations to R & D Manager, as well as plant and production management

Adherence to SHERQ principles

• Good housekeeping and cleaning of laboratory
• Ensuring that health and safety standards are adhered to

• Proven written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of the production processes
• Attention to detail
• Able to control own time management
• Initiative and Tenacity
• Able to respond positively to changing requirements and pressures
• Able to communicate and deal with production managers and personnel, as well as customers at all levels