About Company
Delta Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of beverages in Zimbabwe and the region. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, we are renowned for our extensive portfolio of quality lager beers, traditional beers, sparkling beverages, and other allied products. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability drives our market leadership and strong community engagement. We operate with state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, constantly striving to delight our consumers and deliver value to our stakeholders. Joining Delta means becoming part of an iconic brand that shapes the social fabric and economic landscape of Zimbabwe.
Job Description
As the Director of Research & Development at Delta Corporation, you will be the visionary leader at the forefront of our product innovation and quality enhancement initiatives. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of beverage science, consumer trends, and efficient R&D methodologies. You will be responsible for setting the R&D strategy aligned with the company’s overall business objectives, driving the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to market launch. Your leadership will inspire a team of scientists and technologists to explore new ingredients, optimize existing formulations, develop novel products that capture emerging market opportunities, and ensure adherence to the highest quality and regulatory standards. You will foster a culture of scientific inquiry, collaboration, and continuous improvement, leveraging cutting-edge research and technology to maintain Delta’s competitive edge and delight our diverse consumer base. This role demands a proactive approach to identifying future market needs, mitigating risks, and effectively translating complex scientific findings into commercially viable products. You will also play a crucial role in intellectual property management, collaborating with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless integration of R&D outputs into our operational framework. Your ability to champion sustainability in our R&D efforts, exploring environmentally friendly processes and ingredients, will be highly valued. This involves not only groundbreaking new product development but also the continuous improvement of our existing iconic brands, ensuring their relevance and superior quality in an evolving market. You will manage the R&D budget, oversee project timelines, and ensure all initiatives deliver measurable results that contribute directly to the company’s growth and profitability. Furthermore, you will be our external innovation ambassador, engaging with academic institutions, industry consortia, and technology partners to scout for new technologies and collaborative opportunities. Your strategic insights will guide our investment in research infrastructure and talent development, building a robust R&D pipeline that fuels Delta Corporation’s future success and cements its position as an industry leader in Southern Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the overall R&D strategy in alignment with Delta Corporation's business objectives and market vision.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists and technologists, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, including new product development, reformulation, and process improvement.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and project portfolio to ensure timely delivery of innovative and high-quality products within financial constraints.
- Monitor global and local consumer trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes to identify new opportunities and threats.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with relevant food safety regulations, quality standards, and intellectual property best practices.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless integration and successful market launches.
- Champion sustainability initiatives within R&D, exploring environmentally friendly ingredients, packaging, and production processes.
Required Skills
- Proven leadership and team management skills in an R&D setting.
- Extensive experience in product development within the food and beverage industry.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into actionable R&D initiatives.
- Expertise in beverage science, food technology, and processing techniques.
- Demonstrated project management skills with a track record of bringing products to market.
- In-depth knowledge of quality assurance, food safety regulations, and intellectual property.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
- Experience with sustainability-driven R&D initiatives and novel ingredient sourcing.
- Familiarity with intellectual property management and patent applications.
- Prior experience working in a multinational or large-scale beverage company.
- Strong network within the scientific and food/beverage industry community.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous retirement savings plan.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Car allowance and fuel benefits.
- Relocation assistance if applicable.
- A dynamic and collaborative work environment within an iconic Zimbabwean company.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply directly through our online application portal by clicking the link below. Please ensure your resume highlights your relevant experience and qualifications for this leadership role.