R&D Project Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Tomra Food seeks an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead New Product Development programs, coordinating with teams in New Zealand, China and Europe to take concepts to launch. In the PMO you will manage planning, governance, budgets and metrics, drive projects of scope, and ensure timely delivery aligned with TOMRA’s strategy while handing over to operations. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in technology, engineering or manufacturing project leadership with proven on time, on budget delivery and strong cross functional collaboration. Emphasize PM methods, translating strategy into action, and language skills; be ready to travel up to 15 days per year, onsite in Auckland. If not all requirements are met, apply anyway.

Company Description

TOMRA Food is a multinational organization and a leading provider of sensor-based sorting, peeling and integrated post-harvest solution for the food industries. Transforming global food production to maximize food safety and minimize food loss by making sure Every Resource Counts™, has been our strength for over 50 years.

At TOMRA, we want people to innovate, show passion in their work and be responsible. We encourage the freedom to innovate and take risks that result in breakthroughs that challenge the status quo. We value passion that focuses and commits to meeting success. We believe in a responsible and safe mindset that takes care of our customers, products, and fellow employees. 

Join the resource revolution! 

Job Description

At TOMRA Food, we develop innovative technology that helps reduce food waste, improve food quality, and make food production more sustainable worldwide.

We’re seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead New Product Development (NPD) projects and strategic programs. You’ll work at the center of global innovation, partnering with teams in New Zealand, China, and Europe to take new technologies from concept to launch.

As part of our Project Management Office, you will:

Lead Global Innovation

• Manage planning, execution, governance, and delivery of R&D and NPD projects.
• Drive projects of varied scope from focused initiatives to large strategic programs.
• Deliver within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards while ensuring alignment with TOMRA's strategy.

Build Alignment Across Teams

• Collaborate with global R&D and operations teams.
• Coordinate stakeholders, facilitate decisions, manage risks, and maintain project momentum.
• Ensure alignment with leadership priorities and resource planning.

Drive Project Excellence

• Oversee budgets, schedules, reporting, and metrics.
• Support seamless project handovers to operational teams.
• Apply TOMRA’s Project Model effectively and promote continuous improvement.

Health, safety and care for the environment come first. You are empowered to stop work if something feels unsafe, and we expect everyone to speak up so we can prevent harm and reduce our environmental impact.

Qualifications

You bring:

• 5+ years of project management experience in technology, engineering, manufacturing, or innovative product environments.
• Proven track record delivering projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Experience leading cross-functional and global project teams.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and governance.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Project Management, or related field.
• PMP, PRINCE2, MSc, or MBA is advantageous.
• Fluent written and spoken English. Any additional languages are welcome.

Learnable in role:

• Specific experience in NPD or R&D environments.

If you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. At TOMRA, we recognize that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. 

Additional Information

Please note: This role may require up to 15 days of travel per year, which can include domestic and international trips, depending on business needs.

Why work for us: 

• Birthday leave - have a day off on us!
• Onsite car parking
• We love innovation, so we offer a collaborative environment where idea sharing and thinking outside the box is encouraged
• Global career opportunities with a strong record for promoting internally
• Professional training and development: We are passionate about people and seeing them succeed. 
• We care for the planet and want to make a difference for the future
• Superannuation employer contribution paid on top of base salary

How to Apply:

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! All applications will be managed in the strictest confidence.  

TOMRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.