R&D Manager

2 days ago

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Watts Water Full time
The R&D Manager leads the design, development, and introduction of new products and technical processes into production at Apex Valves. This hands-on role combines strategic planning with direct technical execution, ensuring innovation aligns with compliance, quality, and market needs.
The role also oversees the effective operation, auditing, and maintenance of the ISO 9001 quality system and drives continuous improvement across R&D activities.Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Project Leadership

  • Develop, maintain, and execute the R&D Projects Plan.
  • Formulate research policies, programmes, and priorities in consultation with the Managing Director and other senior leaders.
  • Identify and evaluate new product opportunities and present proposals to the MD.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of R&D investigations and initiatives.
  • Schedule and lead regular Heads of Department meetings to ensure cross-functional alignment.

Technical Design & Development

  • Use SolidWorks 3D modelling to design new products and components.
  • Ensure all product designs comply with relevant standards (e.g., WS-026).
  • Maintain comprehensive development files for all projects to ensure traceability.
  • Manufacture prototypes using in-house conventional machinery.
  • Coordinate external rapid prototyping as needed.
  • Design and build test rigs and electronic controllers for product testing.
  • Conduct and document product testing in accordance with the laboratory manual.

Documentation & Quality Systems

  • Create and maintain ISO 9001 documentation including parts lists, product lists, drawings, and work instructions.
  • Ensure document control procedures are followed rigorously.
  • Support internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives related to quality systems.

Tooling & Production Integration

  • Coordinate tooling manufacture and modifications for new and existing products.
  • Collaborate with Toolmakers and Manufacturing to ensure smooth product integration into production.

Stakeholder Engagement & Support

  • Communicate project progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Work with Sales & Marketing teams in NZ and export markets to support product development and launches.
  • Provide technical support for customer issues and marketing collateral.
  • Maintain records and reporting for MBIE and Callaghan (R&D funding).
Key Relationships

Internal

  • General Manager
  • R&D Engineers
  • Head of Sales
  • Financial Controller
  • Plant Manager
  • Plastics Production Manager
  • Assembly Supervisors
  • Machine Shop Supervisor

External

  • Hydroflow Sales Manager
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
  • SAI Global
  • Suppliers

  • R&D Scientist: Cell engineering

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Opo Bio Full time

    Company descriptionOpo Bio is a fast-growing New Zealand biotech start-up developing the cell technologies that will power the next generation of biomanufactured ingredients. From our HQ in Newmarket, Auckland, we're building the cell lines and bioprocesses that enable scalable production of high-value animal components such as collagen, fats, and cultivated...

  • Senior Development Chemist — Marine Coatings

    1 week ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Index. Scientific & Technical Recruitment and Consulting. Full time

    About the CompanyOur client is a globally recognised New Zealand marine-coatings company best known for its premium foul-release and anticorrosive systems used on propellers, running gear, and underwater metals. Their products are used worldwide by boat owners, applicators, and major marine partners who rely on high-performance coatings in harsh saltwater...

  • Actuary (R&D) - Life Reinsurance

    1 week ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Blackwater Recruitment Full time

    My client, a global reinsurer is currently looking for an Actuary with strong experience investigations background to join their team on a twelve month fixed term contact.Support annual experience studies by leveraging the data analytics capabilities to derive insights, propose changes to assumptions & make the process more efficient and robust.Taking a...

  • Human Resource Business Partner

    2 days ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand We Connect Full time

    Introduction About the role - Mō te turanga mahiAre you a visionary HR leader ready to shape the future of employee experience for a leading New Zealand financial services organisation? We have a very exciting opportunity for an HR Business Partner to help lead the future of people and culture at AMP.The role sits within the Legal, Governance & People Team,...

  • Project Management Intern

    2 days ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Tencent Full time

    Business UnitLIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.About the Hiring TeamLightspeed Tech...

  • Innovation Manager

    1 week ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Goodman Fielder New Zealand Full time

    The OpportunityWe're excited to launch a newly created role for a collaborative and proactiveInnovation Managerto join ourAucklandteam.You'll play a pivotal role in a team responsible for shaping the future of Goodman Fielder by leading strategically important projects for our growth channels. You'll drive best-practice project management to engage...

  • Innovation Manager

    1 week ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Goodman Fielder Full time

    The OpportunityWe're excited to launch a newly created role for a collaborative and proactiveInnovation Managerto join ourAucklandteam.You'll play a pivotal role in a team responsible for shaping the future of Goodman Fielder by leading strategically important projects for our growth channels. You'll drive best-practice project management to engage...

  • Project Management Intern

    2 days ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Tencent Full time

    Business UnitLIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.About the Hiring TeamLightspeed Tech...

  • Financial Controller

    1 week ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Lawson Elliott Recruitment Full time

    Multinational pharmaceutical companyMount Wellington$175k + Super (6%) + Bonus (15%) + BenefitsThis leading multinational pharmaceutical company operates in over 100 countries and is a world leader in innovation and ground breaking product development, helping save and improve lives around the world. Consistently recognised as one of the top employers in...

  • Game AI Product Management Intern

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Tencent Full time NZ$60,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    Business UnitLIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.About the Hiring TeamLightspeed Tech...