R&D Manager

Company Overview

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the agro-industrial and food ingredients sector, specializing in high-quality fats, oils, and finished products for the bakery, confectionery, and dairy industries. With a strong international presence and a commitment to innovation, they are seeking a high-caliber R&D leader to head their department in Johor. This role is open to both local and international candidates, offering an opportunity to lead technical excellence in a world-class manufacturing environment.

Mission

The R&D Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle, from initial concept to full-scale commercialization. You will act as the technical bridge between Global Headquarters and local production, overseeing recipe transfers, product optimization, and the modernization of heritage formulations. The goal is to ensure world-class product quality and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of innovation and technical mentorship.

Key Responsibilities & Activities1. Strategic NPD & Product Optimization

• End-to-End Leadership: Lead the NPD process for innovative and renovative projects, overseeing formulation, shelf-life studies, Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and cost-optimization initiatives.

• Recipe Transfer: Manage the technical transfer of recipes from Global HQ to the local facility, ensuring successful adaptation to local production lines without compromising global standards.

• Trial & Trouble-shooting: Lead pilot plant and trial run processes, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in control settings and manufacturing parameters.

• Innovation & Renovation: Proactively identify opportunities for product improvements in quality, performance, and cost-efficiency.

2. Operational Governance & Compliance

• Process Design: Design and establish standardized R&D operative procedures to streamline project workflows.

• Regulatory Oversight: Act as the primary authority for product compliance with Malaysian and international food regulations and requirements.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Facilitate seamless communication between R&D, Production, Sales & Marketing, and Quality departments to ensure product feasibility and market alignment.

3. Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Organizational Growth: Lead the recruitment and development of R&D personnel, building a high-performing team of technical experts.

• Mentorship: Identify learning opportunities and provide proactive coaching and mentoring to R&D staff, ensuring knowledge retention and professional growth.

• Culture of Curiosity: Foster a team environment that challenges organizational culture when necessary to drive innovation and excellence.

Requirements

Company Overview

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the agro-industrial and food ingredients sector, specializing in high-quality fats, oils, and finished products for the bakery, confectionery, and dairy industries. With a strong international presence and a commitment to innovation, they are seeking a high-caliber R&D leader to head their department in Johor. This role is open to both local and international candidates, offering an opportunity to lead technical excellence in a world-class manufacturing environment.

Mission

The R&D Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle, from initial concept to full-scale commercialization. You will act as the technical bridge between Global Headquarters and local production, overseeing recipe transfers, product optimization, and the modernization of heritage formulations. The goal is to ensure world-class product quality and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of innovation and technical mentorship.

Key Responsibilities & Activities1. Strategic NPD & Product Optimization

• End-to-End Leadership: Lead the NPD process for innovative and renovative projects, overseeing formulation, shelf-life studies, Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and cost-optimization initiatives.

• Recipe Transfer: Manage the technical transfer of recipes from Global HQ to the local facility, ensuring successful adaptation to local production lines without compromising global standards.

• Trial & Trouble-shooting: Lead pilot plant and trial run processes, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in control settings and manufacturing parameters.

• Innovation & Renovation: Proactively identify opportunities for product improvements in quality, performance, and cost-efficiency.

2. Operational Governance & Compliance

• Process Design: Design and establish standardized R&D operative procedures to streamline project workflows.

• Regulatory Oversight: Act as the primary authority for product compliance with Malaysian and international food regulations and requirements.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Facilitate seamless communication between R&D, Production, Sales & Marketing, and Quality departments to ensure product feasibility and market alignment.

3. Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Organizational Growth: Lead the recruitment and development of R&D personnel, building a high-performing team of technical experts.

• Mentorship: Identify learning opportunities and provide proactive coaching and mentoring to R&D staff, ensuring knowledge retention and professional growth.

• Culture of Curiosity: Foster a team environment that challenges organizational culture when necessary to drive innovation and excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive executive remuneration package with performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive medical, insurance, and relocation support for international candidates.

• Opportunity to lead a flagship R&D department within a global manufacturing framework.

• Exposure to international technical standards and global innovation projects.