Development Project Manager | Mon to Fri 38 hours | Balcatta Support Centre

We are seeking an experienced Development Project Manager to lead the delivery of the product and process development program for Sodexo Australias new Culinary Centre of Excellence (CCoE). This is a fixed-term project position responsible for coordinating a multidisciplinary team through a structured program of food product development, manufacturing trials, process validation and operational readiness activities. Working closely with the Food Platform Director and broader CCoE project team, the role will oversee the development of manufacturing components, recipes, technical specifications and operational procedures required to support the successful commissioning of the new facility. The program involves multiple product categories, including sous vide proteins, sliced meats, sauces, meat-based sauces and prepared vegetables. Development activities will be undertaken within a dedicated pre-commissioning testing environment before transitioning into the CCoE. Key responsibilities will include: • Leading the planning, coordination and delivery of the CCoE Product & Process Development Program. • Developing and maintaining detailed project schedules, milestones, resource plans and deliverables. • Coordinating manufacturing trials, product development activities and technical validation requirements. • Managing the day-to-day activities and priorities of the multidisciplinary development team. • Ensuring efficient utilisation of testing facilities, equipment, ingredients and project resources. • Monitoring project progress, expenditure, risks, dependencies and delivery against agreed milestones. • Coordinating the procurement of ingredients, packaging, consumables and specialist services required for development activities. • Working closely with culinary, food technology, quality, supply chain, operations and ERP stakeholders to ensure alignment across project workstreams. • Ensuring trial outcomes, technical specifications, recipes and operational documentation are completed and appropriately recorded. • Identifying and resolving project constraints, escalating significant risks and recommending practical solutions. • Coordinating product evaluations, technical reviews and stakeholder approvals. • Providing regular progress reports and recommendations to the Food Platform Director and CCoE project governance team. • Supporting the transition of validated products, processes and documentation into facility commissioning and operational readiness. This is a practical, delivery-focused role suited to someone who enjoys managing complex development programs, coordinating technical specialists and translating project plans into measurable outcomes. You will bring demonstrated experience in project management within food manufacturing, food technology, product development or a closely related industry. A background in food manufacturing or technical product development will be particularly valuable, enabling you to understand the practical challenges associated with manufacturing trials, process optimisation and commercial scale-up. You will also have: • Relevant tertiary qualifications in Food Science, Food Technology, Project Management, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple technical disciplines and stakeholders. • Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, product development and commercial production environments. • Experience coordinating product trials, manufacturing process development or scale-up activities. • Strong project planning, scheduling, budgeting and resource management capabilities. • Ability to identify risks, manage dependencies and resolve operational challenges. • Excellent or