Overview
Research and Development Manager Jobs in Clayville, Gauteng, South Africa at Kemin Industries
Title: Research and Development Manager
Company: Kemin Industries
Location: Clayville, Gauteng, South Africa
Overview
The R&D Manager is responsible for leading and driving the research and development team for Kemin’s animal nutrition portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa. The role is responsible for delivering innovative, science-based solutions that enhance animal health, feed efficiency, and customer performance, while ensuring alignment with global R&D strategy, regulatory requirements, and market needs.
Responsibilities
R&D strategy and innovation
- Develop and execute the regional R&D strategy aligned with Kemin’s global innovation priorities.
- Identify opportunities for new product development in feed safety, milling optimization, feed additives, premixes, and nutritional solutions.
- Monitor industry trends (e.g. feed efficiency, gut health, mycotoxin management) and competitor activity.
- Collaborate with global R&D teams on innovation pipelines and product adaptation for the SSA market.
Product development and localization
- Lead KSSA’s product innovation pipeline for continuous improvement of our product portfolio
- Lead development, adaptation, and validation of products for local species and production systems (poultry, ruminants, swine, aquaculture where applicable).
- Oversee formulation, trial design, data analysis, and commercial readiness.
- Manage product lifecycle including reformulation, improvement, and discontinuation.
- Ensure scientific robustness and documentation to support product claims.
Trial management and scientific research
- Design and oversee in vivo and in vitro trials with research institutions, farms, and partners.
- Ensure trials meet scientific, statistical, ethical, and regulatory standards.
- Interpret trial results and convert data into actionable insights for commercial teams.
- Publish or present findings where appropriate to strengthen Kemin’s market credibility.
Leadership and team management
- Lead, coach, and develop the regional R&D team.
- Build strong scientific capability within the organisation.
- Support cross-functional knowledge transfer to commercial and technical services teams.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
Regulatory, quality and compliance
- Ensure R&D activities comply with regulatory frameworks (e.g., feed additive regulations, registration requirements, applicable standards in SSA countries).
- Work closely with quality and regulatory affairs on product registration and claims substantiation.
- Maintain alignment with Kemin global standards, quality systems, and audit requirements.
- Ensure accurate, auditable documentation and data integrity.
Commercial and customer support
- Partner with commercial and technical services teams to support product positioning and differentiation.
- Translate technical data into customer-friendly value propositions.
- Support product launches, training, and customer trials.
Project and portfolio management
- Manage the R&D project portfolio, ensuring prioritisation aligned to business strategy.
- Track timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables.
- Provide regular reporting and insights to regional and global leadership.
- Ensure efficient use of resources and return on R&D investment.
Qualifications
- MSc or PhD in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related field)
- 7–10 years’ experience in research and development.
- Proven track record of leading product development projects.
- Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., pharmaceutical, food, chemical, animal nutrition, manufacturing).
- Demonstrated people management and leadership experience.
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of R&D processes and product development lifecycle.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies.
- Understanding of intellectual property and innovation practices.
- Awareness of industry trends and technological advancements.
- Strategic thinking and innovation leadership.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Leadership and team development skills.
- Effective stakeholder engagement and influencing.
- High attention to detail and quality orientation.
