Van Dyck Fine Foods Ltd.
- Posted: 22 Aug 2025
- Location: New Plymouth
- Work Type: Full Time
- Classification: Science & technology
Our Story
Van Dyck Fine Foods (VDFF) was established in 1999. VDFF is a market leader in hotplate baked, frozen thaw-back products. The business prides itself on quality, based on traditional Belgian recipes and manufactured to exacting standards.
VDFF is majority owned by Oriens Capital a private equity investment manager who partners with ambitious Kiwi businesses, growing their capability and strength.
VDFF’s product portfolio includes Pancakes/Pikelets, Blinis/Minis and Crepes.
VDFF produces its own Marcels branded products, and partners with other retailers and distributors for Private Label & Contract Manufacturing. We operate from a single site in Bell Block, New Plymouth and are a substantial employer in the local economy, currently providing jobs for over 80 people.
Are you passionate about food innovation and process excellence?
Join Van Dyck Fine Foods – home of Marcel’s – and lead the charge in developing and optimising our delicious range of hotplate bakery products.
About the Role
As our R&D Manager, you’ll be a key member of the Leadership Team, driving product innovation, quality, and manufacturability across our pancake, crêpe, pikelet, mini, and blini lines. You’ll lead new product development from concept to commercialisation, collaborate with Engineering and Production on process improvements, new manufacturing equipment and ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
What You’ll Do
Lead R&D projects and new product development initiatives.
Champion holistic product quality – from texture and flavour to shelf life and cost.
Collaborate with Engineering to commission and optimise new manufacturing equipment.
Conduct and manage factory trials, scaling up from lab to production.
Optimise recipes, mix times, and process settings for consistent output.
Train production teams on the “why” behind process steps and quality standards.
Analyse and reduce giveaway, freezer loss, and yield inefficiencies.
Evaluate packaging options and their impact on product quality.
Perform basic ingredient substitutions and liaise with NPD experts as needed.
What You’ll Bring
A degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field.
5+ years’ experience in food manufacturing, ideally with hotplate or bakery products.
Strong technical knowledge of food processing and equipment.
Proven leadership and project management skills.
A hands-on, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a proudly New Zealand-owned company with a global footprint.
Work in a supportive, innovative environment where your ideas matter.
Help shape the future of a beloved brand known for quality.
Apply now and bring your passion for bakery excellence to Van Dyck Fine Foods.
Employer questions
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
How many years' experience do you have as a Research and Development Manager?
How many years of project management experience do you have?
Van Dyck Fine Foods (VDFF) was established in 1999. VDFF is a market leader in hotplate baked, frozen thaw-back products. The business prides itself on quality, based on traditional Belgian recipes and manufactured to exacting standards.
VDFF is majority owned by Oriens Capital a private equity investment manager who partners with ambitious Kiwi businesses, growing their capability and strength.
VDFF’s product portfolio includes Pancakes/Pikelets, Blinis/Minis and Crepes.
VDFF produces its own Marcels branded products, and partners with other retailers and distributors for Private Label & Contract Manufacturing. We operate from a single site in Bell Block, New Plymouth and are a substantial employer in the local economy, currently providing jobs for over 80 people.
Are you passionate about food innovation and process excellence?
Join Van Dyck Fine Foods – home of Marcel’s – and lead the charge in developing and optimising our delicious range of hotplate bakery products.
About the Role
As our R&D Manager, you’ll be a key member of the Leadership Team, driving product innovation, quality, and manufacturability across our pancake, crêpe, pikelet, mini, and blini lines. You’ll lead new product development from concept to commercialisation, collaborate with Engineering and Production on process improvements, new manufacturing equipment and ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
What You’ll Do
Lead R&D projects and new product development initiatives.
Champion holistic product quality – from texture and flavour to shelf life and cost.
Collaborate with Engineering to commission and optimise new manufacturing equipment.
Conduct and manage factory trials, scaling up from lab to production.
Optimise recipes, mix times, and process settings for consistent output.
Train production teams on the “why” behind process steps and quality standards.
Analyse and reduce giveaway, freezer loss, and yield inefficiencies.
Evaluate packaging options and their impact on product quality.
Perform basic ingredient substitutions and liaise with NPD experts as needed.
What You’ll Bring
A degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field.
5+ years’ experience in food manufacturing, ideally with hotplate or bakery products.
Strong technical knowledge of food processing and equipment.
Proven leadership and project management skills.
A hands-on, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a proudly New Zealand-owned company with a global footprint.
Work in a supportive, innovative environment where your ideas matter.
Help shape the future of a beloved brand known for quality.
Apply now and bring your passion for bakery excellence to Van Dyck Fine Foods.
Employer questions
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
How many years' experience do you have as a Research and Development Manager?
How many years of project management experience do you have?