R&D Manager

About Our Client :

Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking leader in the food ingredients sector, with a rich history since the 1990’s. They are renowned for delivering a comprehensive array of functional and specialty ingredients, serving both large-scale industrial manufacturers and direct retail consumers. Their diverse product range spans from foundational natural ingredients to complex food seasonings, pre-mixes, and highly specialized, custom-blended formulations. Committed to global quality, they meticulously source raw materials from certified origins worldwide. All their food products adhere to stringent Malaysian HALAL standards (JAKIM) and are recognized by the Health Ministry's MeSTI food safety program. Furthermore, their manufacturing operations uphold rigorous international certifications, including ISO 22000 and HACCP. Beyond their core ingredient business, this dynamic company has strategically diversified into providing food processing and manufacturing consulting, supplying and installing specialized machinery, and producing their own lines of powder-based products and snacks, reaching a broad market encompassing FMCG and the restaurant industry.

Position : R&D Manager

Department : Research & Development

Job Purpose :

This pivotal R&D Manager role will lead the charge in innovation and product development within our client's extensive portfolio of food ingredients. The successful candidate will be instrumental in conceptualizing and bringing to market new, industry-leading products, while continuously enhancing existing formulations. A core responsibility is ensuring that all developments meet the highest benchmarks for quality, performance, and regulatory compliance. This leadership position requires fostering a vibrant culture of scientific excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement within the R&D team, directly contributing to the company's market leadership and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities :

Product Innovation & Lifecycle Management : Drive the complete product development cycle, from initial concept through to successful commercialization, for new functional foods, specialized ingredients, seasonings, pre-mixes, and snack formulations.

Formulation Expertise : Develop, refine, and optimize product recipes to achieve precise sensory attributes, desired functional characteristics, cost efficiencies, and extended shelf life, leveraging a diverse range of global and internally produced raw materials.

Advanced Material Science : Conduct in-depth research into novel ingredients and cutting-edge processing technologies to elevate product performance, identify new application opportunities, and guide the strategic sourcing of certified raw materials.

Team Leadership & Development : Build, inspire, and manage a high-performing R&D team, cultivating an environment that promotes collaboration, innovative thinking, and professional advancement.

Manufacturing Integration : Collaborate seamlessly with manufacturing and production teams to ensure efficient scale-up of new products and to optimize existing production processes, particularly for powder-based and snack manufacturing lines.

Quality & Compliance Assurance : Uphold and integrate stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements into all R&D activities and new product developments, including adherence to HALAL certification (JAKIM), MeSTI, ISO 22000, and HACCP.

Market Intelligence : Proactively monitor industry trends, competitive landscapes, and evolving consumer preferences to pinpoint emerging opportunities for new product lines and strategic innovation.

Inter-departmental Synergy : Partner effectively with Sales, Marketing, Production, and Quality Assurance departments to ensure R&D initiatives are fully aligned with broader business objectives and market demands.

Project Leadership : Oversee and manage multiple R&D projects concurrently, ensuring timely execution, budget adherence, and the successful delivery of groundbreaking solutions.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience :

Education : A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Experience :

A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Research & Development within the food ingredients, food manufacturing, or allied chemical sectors.

Proven managerial or senior leadership capacity, demonstrating success in leading R&D teams and managing complex innovation projects.

A strong track record of successfully developing and bringing commercially viable food products or ingredients to market.

In-depth understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and various food processing technologies (e.g., powder blending, snack manufacturing).

Valuable experience in international raw material sourcing and collaborative engagement with suppliers.

Technical Acumen : Comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, ISO 22000), quality management systems, and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., Halal certification, local food legislation).

Core Competencies :

Good leadership, strategic foresight, and robust project management capabilities.

Strong analytical prowess and creative problem-solving skills, with an innovative approach to product development.

Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration across diverse teams and with external partners.

A demonstrated ability to translate market insights and consumer needs into tangible, innovative product concepts.