I. MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all Research & Development activities related to Fresh Food and/or Beverage products. This position is accountable for new product development, product standardization, process optimization, food safety compliance, shelf-life improvement, and supporting the commercialization of products from concept to mass production. The role works closely with MD, QA – QC, Marketing, Operations, and suppliers to develop competitive and profitable products aligned with business strategy.

Product Development & Innovation:

• Develop annual and monthly product development plans in line with company strategy and business objectives
• Create and develop new products, recipes, menus, beverage formulations, and product concepts for Fresh Food/Beverage categories
• Conduct product benchmarking, sensory evaluation, and consumer testing to improve product competitiveness

Product Standardization & Cost Management

• Convert product recipes into standardized formulations and percentage-based recipes
• Establish and maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOM), ingredient specifications, and costing structures
  
• Analyze product costs and propose solutions to improve profitability while maintaining product quality
• Optimize ingredient utilization and minimize food waste across the product portfolio

Product Technology & Shelf-Life Development

• Research and implement suitable technologies to improve product quality and shelf-life.
• Evaluate and apply suitable food additives, packaging technologies (MAP, vacuum packaging, aseptic packaging, hot-fill, modified atmosphere packaging) and thermal processing methods
• Conduct stability tests and shelf-life studies under different storage conditions
• Analyze product quality changes during storage and recommend improvement actions

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop manufacturing process flows and production specifications for factory implementation
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), work instructions, and technical documentation
• Support factory scale-up trials and commercialization activities
• Ensure products can be produced efficiently and consistently at commercial scale

Supplier & Raw Material Management

• Collaborate with suppliers to identify and develop suitable raw materials and industrial ingredient alternatives
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and participate in supplier audits when required
• Work closely with MD and QA teams to ensure raw material quality and compliance with product requirements
• Work closely with MD and QA teams to ensure raw material quality and compliance with product requirements
  

Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all products comply with food safety regulations and internal quality standards.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and relevant food regulations
• Work closely with QA and Production teams to investigate and resolve product quality issues
• Support product registration, labeling review, and regulatory documentation when required

Cross-functional Collaboration & Training

• Coordinate with Marketing, MD, Operations, Production, and QA departments to execute new product launches
• Provide product knowledge training and operational guidance to relevant departments and stores
• Support store operation teams in product implementation and quality monitoring
• Lead and develop the R&D team to achieve departmental objectives

II. REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor‘s Degree or above in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields
• Strong knowledge of food/beverage chemistry, microbiology, food processing, and preservation technologies

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in R&D, Food Technology, Product Development, or related functions
• At least 3 years of managerial experience leading an R&D team
• Experience in FMCG, food/beverage manufacturing, processed food, ready-to-eat meals, central kitchen, coffee chains, beverage chains, convenience store chains, retail food business, or industrial catering is highly preferred
• Experience in product commercialization and factory production processes is required

Skills & Abilities

• Product development and innovation capability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of shelf-life extension technologies and packaging systems
• Cost analysis and BOM management skills
• Project management and cross-functional coordination skills
• Leadership and people management capability
• Good communication and presentation skills

Other Characteristics

• Proactive and result-oriented.
• Strong ownership and accountability
• High attention to detail and quality standards
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Positive attitude and collaborative mindset