Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food
Populous People ·www.populouspeople.nz
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This senior R&D leadership role requires strong pet nutrition expertise, sound commercial judgement, and the ability to turn customer opportunities into high-performing products. Based at King Country Pet Food’s Taumarunui facility, the role offers significant scope to influence innovation, product development, and commercial growth.
Reporting to the CEO, this senior leadership role will support commercial growth by ensuring new and existing products are developed, tested, optimised, and delivered in a way that meets customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and commercial timelines. You will lead a capable R&D team of six and bring the scientific knowledge, strategic thinking, and cross-functional leadership needed to support customers worldwide. You will be responsible for developing and delivering King Country Pet Food’s R&D strategy across research, product development, formulation, packaging innovation, and technical advancement. Working closely with the sales, marketing and business development team, as well as procurement, operations and quality, you will identify growth opportunities and take new products from concept through to successful commercialisation. This is an integral role in converting customer opportunities into commercially viable products by ensuring development work is accurate, timely, technically sound, and clearly communicated across the business.
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced R&D leader with strong companion animal nutrition, pet food, animal health, or veterinary science expertise. You will bring capability across product development, commercialisation, food science, ingredient technologies, manufacturing processes, and regulatory compliance. Just as importantly, you will be an engaging people leader who can develop high-performing teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate technical information in a practical, commercially focused way. A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline is essential. Experience within a pet food manufacturing environment will be highly regarded. If you are excited by the opportunity to combine scientific leadership, product innovation, and commercial delivery in a growing pet food business, we would love to hear from you. Apply through this portal or contact the Populous People team on 06 875 8446 for a confidential discussion.
Reporting to the CEO, this senior leadership role will support commercial growth by ensuring new and existing products are developed, tested, optimised, and delivered in a way that meets customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and commercial timelines. You will lead a capable R&D team of six and bring the scientific knowledge, strategic thinking, and cross-functional leadership needed to support customers worldwide. You will be responsible for developing and delivering King Country Pet Food’s R&D strategy across research, product development, formulation, packaging innovation, and technical advancement. Working closely with the sales, marketing and business development team, as well as procurement, operations and quality, you will identify growth opportunities and take new products from concept through to successful commercialisation. This is an integral role in converting customer opportunities into commercially viable products by ensuring development work is accurate, timely, technically sound, and clearly communicated across the business.
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced R&D leader with strong companion animal nutrition, pet food, animal health, or veterinary science expertise. You will bring capability across product development, commercialisation, food science, ingredient technologies, manufacturing processes, and regulatory compliance. Just as importantly, you will be an engaging people leader who can develop high-performing teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate technical information in a practical, commercially focused way. A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline is essential. Experience within a pet food manufacturing environment will be highly regarded. If you are excited by the opportunity to combine scientific leadership, product innovation, and commercial delivery in a growing pet food business, we would love to hear from you. Apply through this portal or contact the Populous People team on 06 875 8446 for a confidential discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food role?
Populous People is hiring for the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food job located?
The Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food role with Populous People is based in Taumarunui, NZ.
Is the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Populous People.
What experience level is the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food role?
The Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Head of Research and Development - King Country Pet Food role at Populous People?
Apply directly on Populous People's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.