Product Development Manager (R&D Manager)

Responsible for managing beverage and food development projects, including ingredient review, supplier review, cost analysis, cost optimization, product specification, and commercialization support to Category Managers. This position also collaborates with cross-functional teams such as Supply Chain, Quality Assurance and Regulatory, Global Product Planning & Standards, Marketing, Legal and Finance to ensure the successful launch of new products and at the same time achieving cost optimization initiatives.

I. Key Accountabilities

Project Management

• Manage new product projects including testing, execution and launching.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development and launch processes.
• Develop and implement cost optimization projects related to alternative materials/ ingredients and manufacturing processes.
• Identify and review alternative suppliers to mitigate business risk of reliance on one single supplier.
• Proactively identify and mitigate product risks to project success and take corrective actions as necessary.

Sensory Testing

• Partner with Category Managers and Global Product Planning & Standards team on sensory testing and product development to ensure products meet customer expectations.
• Manage system & documentation related to product development and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Ensure all new products’ testing and analysis are conducted accurately and efficiently.

Product Improvement

• Analyse and track product performance, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for product enhancement and materials/ ingredients replacement to save cost.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to improve product quality and efficiency.

Process Management & Documentation

• Set up Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and procedures in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive documentation system, including study protocols, experimental data, laboratory notebooks, and reports, in compliance with GLP requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify non-compliance issues and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Stay updated with relevant GLP regulations, guidelines, and industry best practices to ensure compliance.
• Oversees lab activities: raw materials/ ingredients sampling and testing, making prototypes.

Others

• Manage relationships with external suppliers, vendors, and partners to ensure high-quality products are delivered on time and within budget.

II. Job Requirements:

Education/ Training Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/ Food Technology / Food Engineering.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in the food & beverage/ retails industry
• 3+ years of experience in product development/ F&B project management and demonstrate good working relationships with cross functional departments
• Sensory scientist background is preferred

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of product development processes, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and launching
• Strong understanding of a variety of materials/ ingredients and their properties, able to evaluate & ensure their suitability for use in current & new products
• Knowledge of food safety, quality control, and packaging
• Understand supply chain operation
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements to reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Ability to manage competing priorities to deliver projects on time and within budget

Skills (Ability to):

• Strong organization and planning skills
• Project management skills
• Strong leadership, communication and coordination skills, ability to collaborate and manage cross-functional teams
• Flexibility and adaptability to changes
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure at times, with an enthusiastic attitude
• Fluent English in Speaking and Writing