Requisition ID 64155
Position Type FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

The R&D Manager for Culinary Wet leads the development and commercialization of innovative sauce technologies within Kerry’s RD&A organization. This role drives the growth strategy for the Culinary Wet portfolio, champions technical excellence, and builds a high‑performing team focused on delivering winning solutions for customers across key End Use Markets.

Key responsibilities

Product Development & Commercialization

Lead product development and applications for Culinary Wet (sauces) across all major End Use Markets, customers, and channels.
Oversee projects from concept through launch, collaborating with cross‑functional partners including process engineering, quality, sales, procurement, manufacturing, and packaging.
Serve as the technical lead for key accounts, strengthening customer intimacy and supporting commercial growth.
Apply strong technical and commercial insight to deliver “right‑first‑time” solutions.
Managing project resource allocation.
Deliver end to end product development cycle process.

Technical Expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge of raw materials, formula design, and hot/cold processing techniques across wet condiment systems.
Understand packaging fundamentals for sauces and condiments.
Design products that meet safety, quality, and stability requirements across refrigerated and ambient categories—such as emulsions, water‑based sauces, relishes, jams, and sweet sauces.
Develop cross regional functional expertise and network in wet culinary

Innovation Leadership

Translating customer needs and market insights into innovation opportunities.
Championing forward‑looking solutions aligned with future customer and consumer demands.
Evaluating and enhancing the existing product portfolio to ensure best‑in‑class performance.
Recommending and screening new raw materials; building and maintaining comprehensive raw material libraries.
Prioritising projects in alignment with regional leadership and global R&D stakeholders.

Operational & Cross‑Functional Support

Partner closely with Supply Chain and Operations toDrive process improvements and troubleshooting at plant level.
Support business continuity and productivity initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the Culinary Wet RD&A team through coaching, training, and regular feedback.
Foster a high‑performance culture and contribute actively to the RD&A leadership team.

Qualifications and skills

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or Food Science.
Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Culinary Wet/Sauces industry.
Strong background across laboratory, pilot‑plant, and factory environments.
Proven people management experience.
Excellent understanding of thermal processing and filling/packaging technologies.
Experience in Australia’s Foodservice or chain restaurant sector is highly desirable.
Demonstrated success managing internal and external stakeholder relationships (Commercial/sales, customers, senior leadership).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Recruiter #LI-PK1
Posting Type LI

Kerry Group

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R&D Manager, Culinary Wet