Join the leader in ‘free-from’ products

Are you eager to align yourself with one of Australia’s most dynamic food manufacturers? Do you thrive in a vibrant, fast-paced environment where your contributions make a difference? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Discover Not a Trace!

Not a Trace is a family-owned Australian business with over 35 years of experience in gluten-free manufacturing and an expert knowledge of nutrition and special dietary foods.

Based in South East Melbourne, at the production site, with the founders still leading the business on a day-to-day basis and a significant recent investment to drive an ambitious and exciting 5-year growth plan.

Leaders in innovation and quality for gluten and nut-free manufacturing

Pioneers of the gluten-free category in the late 80’s as founders of Freedom Foods

Founders and owners of the world's first dedicated Low FODMAP brand FODMAPPED

Strong network in Australia with a long history of bringing new products to the market

Australian and NZ Major Retailer supplier for over 10yrs.

What we offer:

Awarded 5-Star Employer of Choice 2024

A healthy work/life balance

A purpose-driven culture that thrives on energy and collaboration

Priortising well-being with a dedicated Workplace Wellbeing Program, giving you access to 24/7 counselling services

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced NPD Commercialisation Manager to facilitate the smooth transition of products from development to commercialisation and execution.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, this role will work closely with cross-functional teams to manage the end-to-end product lifecycle with sharp focus on product Quality – first time every time.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the entire NPD process using the stage and gate framework. Project managing and coordination of cross-functional teams to deliver new products on time and within budget (bench to commercialisation).

Manage NPD projects tracker and lead weekly NPD meeting with timelines to track progress.

Actively manage NPD trials, identifying and addressing any process gaps to ensure efficient, safe and high-quality production (incl briefing, reporting and presence at trial and post-trial analysis to identify process gaps and improvement opportunities).

Assist with the introduction of new products onto our production lines, ensuring they meet our rigorous standards (including new packaging requirements, batch and recipe information and all quality requirements).

Manage internal specs (recipes, NIPS etc) in business system and translate to artwork. Ensure accuracy of artwork and manage suppliers to deliver on time in full.

Lead communication on the delivery of new products/ new packaging updates and hold cross functional teams accountable for delivery of tasks on time.

Manage new customer business including EOI tenders and costing up opportunities including sensory. As well as manage customer product specs and ensuring portals are accurate and updated & communicated in a timely manner.

Promote, lead and actively support all continuous improvement (C.I.) programs & work collaboratively with other departments to identify opportunities for improvement.

Ability to train, mentor and develop one direct report (Food Technologist) to build technical expertise and operational capability

To be successful in this role, you will need:

Bachelor's degree in R&D, Food Science, or a related Commercial field.

A minimum 3 years of experience in food tech, innovation and project management within the food industry or FMCG and proven skills and track record in the end-to-end product commercialisation cycle.

Experience with food safety management systems (e.g. FSANZ, SQF, HACCP, CFMSR). Bakery background and experience highly regarded.

Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels—internally and externally—with a customer-focused approach.

Demonstrated strong leadership skills and experience in managing direct reports, with a strong safety mindset across all facets of work. Proven experience as a continuous improvement advocate.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks, including system and data administration for recipes and new product lines. Fast learner with high attention to detail and ability to effectively prioritise workload to meet deadlines.

To undertake occasional travel to meet with suppliers, conduct market visits, and attend food shows.

If this sounds like you APPLY NOW!

Not a Trace is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to gender equality, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all. Not a Trace is a signatory to the United Nation's Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs).

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