Product Developer (2 Year Contract)

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and growing team?

At Primo Foods, we’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings as a butcher shop to becoming Australia’s largest Smallgoods manufacturer. With a portfolio that include our much-loved products like bacon, ham, salami, and delicious protein snacks, we take pride in delivering quality products that enhance everyday family moments.

With over 3000 dedicated staff across manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, finance, quality and much more, we are constantly evolving and striving for excellence. We believe that our success is built on the foundation of our talented and passionate team members, underpinned by our Values, and we’re always on the lookout for great people to join us!

At Primo Foods, we believe in purpose and are committed to fostering a culture that emphasises community collaboration and personal growth. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to make difference, we want to hear from you.

Join us and be part of something special, because we believe that “there’s good, there’s great and then there is Primo”.

Primo Foods is a proud business unit of JBS.

About the Role

We have an exciting, newly created fixed term contract role available for a Product Developer, either based in Chullora, Sydney or Wacol, Brisbane for up to 2 years. The Product Developer supports product, process and quality improvement initiatives. This role is key in driving cost reduction, operational efficiency and product innovation while ensuring food safety, quality, and compliance.

Responsibilities include:

• Support existing product development (EPD) and improvement projects, focusing on efficiency, quality and cost optimization. 
• Identify, Support and implement cost-reduction strategies without compromising product integrity. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase product and operational effectiveness. 
• Evaluate and refine processing methods, formulations, and ingredients for improved performance. 
• Analyse and review production methods, machinery, formulations, raw material, yields and procedures, identify areas of improvement.
• Ensure products meet food safety, regulatory, and customer quality requirements.
• Support the Quality Assurance (QA) team in troubleshooting production challenges and identifying solutions. 
• Work closely with suppliers and procurement teams to assess ingredient functionality, quality, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in food science. 
• Trouble shoot product, processing, yield, quality, food safety concerns and root cause analysis, and implement end to end solutions
• Partner with marketing and sales teams to align cost reduction projects with customer and market needs. 
• Train and mentor internal teams on technical food science concepts and best practices. 
• Support Supply Chain challenges to ensure business continuity of product supply, e.g. ingredient substitutions.
• Use data-driven insights to refine product formulations and improve production scalability. 
• Manage timelines, cost and key success criteria milestones for project delivery
• Run trials & projects autonomously in the pilot plant and factory and track trial products through every step of the process

About you:

• Experience: Minimum 2+ years in product development, R&D, QA, Operations, or food technology roles within the food industry. 
• Qualifications: Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field (desired)  
• Experience with meat or smallgoods would be advantageous. 
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety (HACCP, FSANZ, GMP), and quality assurance practices. 
• Hands-on experience with trials (pilot, kitchen or factory), sensory evaluation, and production troubleshooting. 
• Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, run trials, and make data-driven recommendations. 
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with all types of Meat & Meat products
• Ability to move around a manufacturing environment and get hands on in production.
• Computer literacy, including Intermediate level of MS Office. Preferable experience using AS400, MAPIC and iSupporter.

Why work for Primo?

• Reward & Recognition program
• Access to novated leasing options
• Health insurance and retail discounts
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities

What next?

If you’re passionate and want to be a part of the largest meat, pork and salmon manufacturer and producer in Australia, this opportunity may be for you. Apply now!