R&D Project Manager

About TOMRA Food and Role Overview

TOMRA Food is an established global leader in sensor-based sorting, peeling, and integrated post-harvest solutions that serve the food industry. With over fifty years of industry expertise, the company is committed to maximizing food safety and minimizing food loss through innovative technology, embodying the principle of making every resource count.

We foster a culture that encourages innovation, passion, accountability, and a readiness to challenge conventions to achieve breakthrough results. Our ethos emphasizes responsible practices that safeguard our customers, our products, and our workforce. Come join us in leading the resource revolution!

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, execution, governance, and successful delivery of Research & Development (R&D) and New Product Development (NPD) projects at a global scale.
• Lead diverse projects ranging from focused initiatives to substantial strategic programs, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks aligned with TOMRA’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate extensively with R&D and operations teams across New Zealand, China, and Europe to ensure cross-functional and global team alignment.
• Coordinate stakeholder communication, facilitate effective decision-making processes, oversee risk management, and sustain project momentum.
• Supervise budget controls, schedule adherence, comprehensive reporting, and the application of performance metrics, ensuring smooth transitions of projects to operational teams.
• Champion TOMRA’s project methodologies and promote ongoing improvements within the Project Management Office.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Minimum of five years’ experience in project management within technology, engineering, manufacturing, or innovative product sectors.
• Proven success in delivering projects punctually with controlled budgets and expected quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary and international project teams effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management frameworks, governance, and strategic plan execution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, or advanced degrees like MSc or MBA, are considered advantageous.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, with additional languages welcomed.

Experience specific to New Product Development or R&D environments can be developed in the role.

Additional Information

• The role may entail up to 15 days of travel annually, encompassing domestic and international locations depending on business requirements.

Employee Benefits

• Birthday leave entitles employees to an additional day off annually.
• Onsite parking facilities are available.
• A collaborative, innovation-driven work environment encourages idea contribution and creative problem-solving.
• Opportunities for global career progression with a proven internal promotion track record.
• Commitment to professional growth through training and development programs.
• A shared focus on sustainability and positive environmental impact.
• Employer superannuation contributions are provided on top of base salary.

Equal Opportunity Statement

TOMRA is dedicated to equal employment opportunity and fosters an inclusive culture irrespective of race, color, religion, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental status, or any other protected category.