R&D Specialist (Quick Service Restaurant)

About the role

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited is seeking an R&D Manager (QSR) to lead innovation and development initiatives within our Quick Service Restaurant division. This role is strategically important to our organisation, as it bridges our commitment to food innovation, safety, and quality with the evolving needs of the quick service restaurant market.

Key responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the development and localization of existing and new products for the International market.
• Develop new product concepts, recipes, and flavor profiles based on consumer insights and market trends.
• Adapt existing Five Star products to meet local taste preferences, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Conduct product formulation, sensory evaluations, and product improvement initiatives to ensure superior quality and competitiveness.

International Market Expansion

• Act as the R&D lead for the Five Star expansion project, driving product development from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to understand consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and market opportunities.
• Ensure products comply with International food regulations, labeling requirements, and food safety standards.
• Support product registration, documentation, and technical requirements for market launch.

Project Management

• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones, timelines, budgets, and deliverables are achieved.
• Monitor project risks and recommend solutions to support successful product launches.
• Present project progress and product recommendations to senior management.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on global food trends, consumer insights, ingredients, processing technologies, and innovation opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, cost efficiency, and manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous innovation to strengthen Five Star's competitive position in the International market.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or any related

• Minimum 5-10 years of professional experience in food R&D, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership capacity

• Demonstrated expertise in food safety management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance within the food and beverage industry

• Strong knowledge of QSR operations, product development processes, and the unique challenges of quick service restaurant food production

• Fluency in English

• Willingness to travel internationally as required.