R&D Project Manager

About TOMRA Food

TOMRA Food is a global leader in sensor-based sorting, peeling, and integrated post-harvest solutions for the food industry, committed to enhancing food safety and reducing food waste. With over 50 years of experience, TOMRA aims to transform food production through innovation and responsible practices, encouraging passion and freedom in its workforce.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead new product development initiatives and strategic projects across multiple regions including New Zealand, China, and Europe. This role is central to global innovation efforts, managing projects from conception through launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, govern, and deliver R&D and new product development projects efficiently.
• Lead projects varying in scope, from focused tasks to extensive strategic programs within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Collaborate globally with R&D and operational teams, coordinating stakeholders, facilitating decision-making, and managing risks to keep projects on track.
• Ensure project activities align with leadership priorities, strategic goals, and resource plans.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, and reporting metrics, and ensure smooth handover of projects to operational teams.
• Implement TOMRA’s project management model and contribute to ongoing process improvements.
• Promote a safe work environment by empowering the team to halt work if unsafe, and encouraging open communication to prevent harm and reduce environmental impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing projects in technology, engineering, manufacturing, or innovative product development environments.
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget, and meeting quality expectations.
• Experience leading diverse, cross-functional, and global teams.
• Strong grasp of project management frameworks, methodologies, and governance.
• Capability to translate organizational strategy into clear, actionable project plans.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or higher education degrees like MSc or MBA are advantageous.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken), with additional languages considered a plus.

Learnable in Role

Specific experience in new product development or research and development environments can be acquired on the job.

Travel Requirements

This position may require up to 15 days of travel annually, including both domestic and international trips as needed.

Additional Benefits

• Birthday leave to celebrate your special day with a paid day off.
• Onsite parking facilities available.
• A culture fostering innovation with encouragement for idea sharing and creative thinking.
• Opportunities for global career advancement and internal promotions.
• Access to professional development and training programs.
• Commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.
• Superannuation contributions made in addition to the base salary.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

TOMRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.