NPD Project Manager

The SunRice Group is an Australian ASX-listed branded food group, comprising multiple businesses, assets and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the United States, The Pacific Islands and Asia. SunRice was built by the Australian rice industry over many decades and today is one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, with approximately 2,000 employees and operations in 11 countries.

SunRice is a great place to work, providing a real opportunity for passionate people to make a difference.

About the role

You're a natural organiser who enjoys bringing structure to complexity. With strong project management skills, analytical thinking and a collaborative approach, you thrive in fast-paced environments where balancing multiple priorities is all part of the role.

We're looking for an experienced NPD Project Manager to join our collaborative Research & Development team on a 12-month fixed term contract, based in either our Chadstone (Melbourne) or Sydney office.

Sitting at the centre of our innovation agenda, you'll lead the planning, coordination and delivery of new product development and product renovation projects from concept through to launch.

Partnering with stakeholders across R&D, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations and Supply Chain, you'll play a key role in bringing new products to market, ensuring projects remain on track, risks are managed, and key milestones are achieved.

Key responsibilities will include:

Managing end-to-end NPD and product renovation projects through SunRice's Stage Gate process

Developing and maintaining project plans, timelines, dependencies and deliverables

Coordinating cross-functional project teams to ensure alignment and progress

Preparing gate papers and supporting governance approvals

Monitoring project risks, identifying mitigation strategies and resolving roadblocks

Tracking project performance and providing regular updates to stakeholders

Supporting portfolio and resource reporting activities

Driving collaboration across multiple teams to ensure successful project outcomes

Conducting post-launch reviews and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement

About You

You're a natural organiser who enjoys bringing structure to complexity. With strong project management skills, analytical thinking and a collaborative approach, you thrive in fast-paced environments where balancing multiple priorities is all part of the role.

You will bring:

Proven project management experience, ideally within FMCG, food manufacturing, product development or supply chain environments

Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and balancing competing priorities

Strong planning, organisational and time management skills

Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing capabilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail

Experience working within a Stage Gate or structured project management framework

The ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and functions

A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications in Project Management, Business or a related discipline, highly regarded

What’s in it for you

At SunRice Group, we believe great work starts with feeling supported, valued and inspired. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth and everyday life.

SunRice Product Allowance: Take home a taste of what we do best. You’ll receive a weekly allowance of SunRice Group products, so you can enjoy and share the food we’re proud to make.

Leave: Enjoy competitive leave benefits, including volunteer leave and the option to purchase additional leave when you need extra flexibility.

Wellness Reimbursement: Your wellbeing matters. Twice a year, you’ll be reimbursed for fitness memberships or other health and wellbeing initiatives that help you feel your best

If you're a project management professional who enjoys bringing structure to complexity and wants to play a key role in delivering innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

All correspondence will be dealt with in strict confidence.