Assistant Manager, Product R&D (MYSG)

Position Responsibilities:

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and participate in New Product Development (NPD), from ideation to launch.
• Manage multiple product development projects concurrently, overseeing timelines, resources and budgets effectively.
• Collaborate closely with the regional product team to align strategies, share insights, and contribute to the overall success of the regional product portfolio.
• Ensure local product development efforts align with regional standards and framework.
• Create, enhance and localize the product menu to fill a niche in the competitive F&B market.
• Develop localized beverages and/or food products based on market trends, sales data, operational effectiveness and customer demographics.
• Establish costing information for new and revised formulations.
• Assist in the preparation of beverage and food tasting sessions and continuously iterate rapidly.
• Conduct comprehensive market and consumer research to identify emerging trends, technologies and opportunities for new product development.
• Gather, analyze and maintain product, flavor, market and technology trend information, and prepare feasibility reports to ensure products remain viable and competitive.

Secondary Job Responsibilities:

• Work collectively with internal teams, e.g., Operations, QA/QC, Marketing and Supply Chain, throughout the product development process to ensure successful product launches.
• Provide regular updates to the regional team on local market dynamics and opportunities.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of product launches.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, partners and external resources to support research and development initiatives.
• Communicate regularly and build good rapport with vendors.
• Perform product stability testing, shelf-life evaluations and any other required tests.
• Ensure all products comply with food safety standards and regulations.
• Conduct investigations and propose solutions to address product complaints or feedback.
• Implement and oversee quality control measures throughout the product development process.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments, procedures and results to facilitate knowledge sharing and intellectual property protection.
• Perform other ad hoc tasks as assigned by the superior or management from time to time.
• Foster collaboration with the regional product team to share best practices and insights.
• Be responsible for maintaining product SOPs.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts or a related scientific discipline.
• Professional barista/sensory certifications (e.g., Specialty Coffee Association) or advanced culinary certifications are highly preferred.
• Years of Experience: Generally requires 3 to 5+ years of experience in F&B research and development, product management or new product development (NPD).
• Industry Focus: Proven experience within a multi-outlet cafe chain, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) or F&B retail environment.
• Niche Domain Knowledge: A strong background specifically in coffee, tea, RTD (ready-to-drink) beverages or dairy/syrup formulations is standard.
• Ability to create digital Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that retail baristas can easily execute during rush periods without slowing down throughput.
• Ability to conceptualize and execute new methods of development.
• Possess good sensory skills for product benchmarking and development.
• Have a strong interest in and knowledge of ingredient formulation and development.
• Computer literate.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and other relevant software and applications.
• Good command of written and spoken English; proficiency in other languages will be an added advantage.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and responsively at all levels, internally and externally.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to develop new and improved products.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and documentation practices.

a Necessity, not a Luxury