The Head of R&D serves as the technical leader for the organization, responsible for delivering innovation-led growth, product quality excellence, manufacturing support, cost optimization, and technology advancement while ensuring compliance with regulatory, food safety, and customer requirements.
The role oversees R&D operations supporting Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and global export markets, covering Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverage, Sauces, Seasonings, Culinary Products and future growth categories.
Strategic Leadership & Innovation
- Develop and execute the Group R&D Strategy aligned with business objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Build and manage the innovation pipeline across all categories and markets.
- Lead New Product Development (NPD), product renovation, engineering, cost optimization and product harmonization programs.
- Identify emerging consumer trends, market opportunities and new technology platforms.
- Support business expansion through innovation and technical capability development.
- Drive premiumization, health & wellness, sustainability and clean-label initiatives.
Product Development & Commercialization
- Lead end-to-end product development from concept generation through commercialization.
- Manage product development for Snacks, Potato Chips & Crisps, Instant Noodles & Noodle Snacks, Beverage, Sauces, Condiments and Culinary Products.
- Conduct feasibility assessments covering technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure successful scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing plants.
- Lead product benchmarking, sensory evaluation and consumer validation programs.
- Drive commercialization activities and performance reviews.
Product, Process & Packaging Technology
- Establish and maintain technical mastery system of products, ingredients, packaging and manufacturing processes.
- Lead formulation development and process optimization initiatives.
- Develop proprietary technologies, recipes and manufacturing know-how.
- Evaluate and implement new ingredients, technologies and packaging solutions.
- Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive alternative material and productivity improvement programs.
Manufacturing Technical Support
- Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities across the Group.
- Lead root cause investigations for quality, process and product performance issues.
- Support factory trials, process validations and commissioning activities.
- Establish technical standards and best practices across manufacturing sites.
- Ensure manufacturing capability is aligned with product and innovation requirements.
Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure all products are developed according to Food Safety by Design principles.
- Ensure compliance with Local Food Regulations, International Food Regulations, Customer Standards, Halal Requirements, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP
- Review and approve Product specifications, Ingredient declarations, Nutrition information, Shelf-life recommendations, Technical documentation
- Support customer complaints, crisis management and product quality investigations.
Supplier Innovation & External Collaboration
- Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities and/or research institutes.
- Lead supplier innovation and ingredient qualification programs.
- Evaluate new raw materials, packaging materials and processing technologies.
- Support supplier technical audits and qualification activities.
Consumer & Sensory Excellence
- Lead consumer-centric product development programs.
- Establish sensory methodologies and evaluation standards.
- Conduct benchmarking, sensory optimization and consumer acceptance studies.
- Translate consumer insights into commercially successful products.
R&D Governance & Knowledge Management
- Establish and maintain R&D policies, procedures and governance systems.
- Ensure proper management of Formulations, Product Specifications, Bills of Materials, Technical Databases & Intellectual Property
- Drive digitalization of R&D systems and processes.
- Protect proprietary information and confidential technical data.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead and develop R&D teams
- Build technical competency and succession pipelines.
- Coach, mentor and develop future technical leaders.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Establish clear objectives, KPIs and development plans for team members.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline.
- 10-15 years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D.
- 3-5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
- Strong experience in Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverages, Sauces, Seasonings or related food categories.
- Proven track record in innovation, commercialization and manufacturing support.
- Experience managing regional or multi-country operations is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of global food regulations, food safety systems and manufacturing processes.
- Frequent domestic and international travel required to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, innovation programs and business
