Head of Research and Development

Polymaster Group

Polymaster is a proud family-owned manufacturer with over 28 years’ experience in delivering excellence in liquid storage through innovative designs, quality products and a superior customer service experience. 

We bring people together to strengthen the communities in which we work and provide professional and personal development opportunities so that you can reach your full potential. 

Our people are everything to us and when you bring the right mindset and attitude to Polymaster, we will invest in your growth, providing you with direction, training, leadership, and recognition. We will value your contribution and nurture your personal and professional development.

We don't just offer jobs - we offer long term careers!

 Swan Hill- Work, Live and Play

Nestled on the banks of Victoria’s famous Murray River around 3.5hours from Melbourne, Swan Hill offers the perfect platform to embrace the charm and pace only a regional lifestyle in the heart of the Murray can offer.

Swan Hill is the perfect combination of regional charm and city sophistication and is a major regional centre for the surrounding region.

Todays vibrant CBD offers boutique-style shopping, cafés and restaurants serving fresh local produce, gorgeous parks and gardens along the Riverfront and the town is easily navigated by foot.
With more sunny days per year than the Gold Coast, and a temperature that averages 23 degrees, the Swan Hill Region is a natural choice for lovers of sunshine, good food and wine, and many outdoor and water activities to keep you busy – no matter the season.

The role

We are a growing manufacturing business undergoing national expansion and have recognised the need to have a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) position to carve and shape the R&D functionality of the business into the future.

This is a high profile and influential role within the business and is an integral part of our growth strategy.

Based in Swan Hill and reporting to the General Manager, you will focus on coordinating and managing the people, financial resources and means dedicated to the study and development of industry leading innovation with the aim of improving products, creating new ones and making production processes more efficient.

Core duties:

•    Facilitating NPD from concept to production while working closely with product managers, sales and marketing, engineering and operations teams
•    Identify new products and processes to be developed or improved, via careful analysis
•    Analyse trends, demand and target customer and reference market needs in collaboration with the marketing department and Product Manager in order to anticipate trends. 
•    Meeting with stakeholders at different levels to identify areas of innovation and growth.
•    Identifying innovation trends and business opportunities within the market.
•    Developing, strategizing, and planning new interventions that will drive innovation.
•    Creating and overseeing a comprehensive long-term R & D strategy for the company.
•    Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to enhance innovative thinking around the company

About you

If you are a hand on person that doesn’t mind rolling up your sleeves and getting amongst the action to really understand the products, processes and possibilities than this could be your dream role. 
Crucial to your success is your extensive experience in project management and manufacturing as well as demonstrated experience in R&D and/ or Innovation, and product design.  It is important that you are collaborative and can work alongside other business units such as sales, operations and engineering.

To thrive in this role, you will possess the following attributes:
•    Adaptive thinking and a strong, critical mindset.
•    Strong business acumen and presentation skills.
•    Highly proficient at project planning, budgeting, and oversight.
•    Forward-thinking and adaptable to dynamic situations.
•    A solid understanding of innovation and how it should be applied in business.
•    Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to take your career to the next level. Apply Now!

For more information about the role or a copy of the Position description, please contact Tracey Osborn, People and Culture Manager on 03 5033 9042 or email hr@polymaster.com.au