Research & Development Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Lead the R&D team and end-to-end product development across global markets, transforming consumer insights, scientific expertise, and innovation into distinctive PAÑPURI products. Ensure excellence in product quality, development execution, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on China and Japan, while shaping signature scents and new product innovation to support the brand's global growth.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. R&D Team & Product Development Leadership

• Lead, manage, coach, and develop the R&D team to achieve business and product development objectives.
• Own and optimize the end-to-end product development process, ensuring smooth, accurate, and timely execution from concept to commercialization.
• Set priorities, assign responsibilities, monitor progress, resolve issues, and review the technical work of the R&D team.
• Manage resources, timelines, and workflows across multiple projects.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance team culture.
• Provide technical and managerial guidance and act as a key decision-maker on R&D matters.

2. New Product Development & Innovation

• Lead new product development and innovation projects across natural & organic cosmetics and home ambience categories.
• Translate consumer insights, market trends, brand direction, and business opportunities into relevant product concepts.
• Ensure products meet agreed requirements for concept, Voice of Consumer, design, quality, efficacy, market opportunity, budget, timeline, and compliance.
• Proactively identify and evaluate emerging ingredients, biotechnology, sustainable formulation technologies, novel delivery systems, and other innovation opportunities.
• Translate innovation research into actionable product development concepts that strengthen PAÑPURI’s competitive advantage.

3. Regulatory & Product Registration

• Oversee product registration and regulatory compliance across Thailand, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, the EU, and other relevant international markets.
• Ensure strong regulatory readiness, with particular focus on China and Japan.
• Ensure products comply with applicable FDA, consumer protection, international regulatory requirements, company standards, and the company’s Zero List.
• Work closely with the Compliance & Regulatory Affairs team to ensure accurate and timely regulatory submissions.
• Act as line manager and subject matter advisor to the Compliance & Regulatory Affairs Assistant Manager.
• Coach and guide the regulatory team to maintain high standards of regulatory excellence across all markets.

4. Special Signature Scents

• Lead the conceptualization and development of Special Signature Scents for PAÑPURI brands.
• Collaborate with fragrance houses, perfumers, Brand, Marketing, and internal teams to create distinctive and market-relevant olfactive identities.
• Ensure fragrance concepts reflect brand positioning, consumer profile, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

5. R&D Standards & Technical Excellence

• Develop and implement R&D policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and technical practices to optimize product quality and development efficiency.
• Review and improve R&D methodologies, specifications, testing approaches, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and applicable regulations.

6. Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Partner proactively with Brand, Marketing, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory, and other functions to ensure successful product development and commercialization.
• Manage effective working relationships with OEM/ODM manufacturers, laboratories, fragrance houses, ingredient suppliers, and other external partners.
• Provide technical support for formulation, testing, troubleshooting, scale-up, quality issues, and commercialization.
• Communicate project progress, risks, challenges, and recommendations clearly to management and stakeholders.

7. Project Management & Business Support

• Act as R&D project owner or key project contributor for strategic product development initiatives.

• Monitor project milestones and proactively address risks, delays, and development challenges.

• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed scope, timeline, quality, budget, and regulatory requirements.

• Prepare and present R&D updates, technical recommendations, and project status to management.

• Support other strategic initiatives and duties assigned by the Global Brand Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or a related scientific field; a major in Cosmetic Science will be an advantage.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in Research & Development / Formulation within the cosmetics industry.
• Strong hands-on technical skills with proven cosmetic formulation experience.
• Proven ability in team management, workflow coordination, and leadership to achieve business goals.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Good knowledge and practical experience in product registration and regulatory procedures, particularly in China and Japan.
• Good understanding of cosmetic formulation, product development, quality, and efficacy.
• Knowledge of international cosmetic regulatory requirements will be an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with individuals and management.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Good analytical thinking and strong attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills with a positive can-do attitude.
• Fast learner, hard-working, disciplined, creative, and proactive.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
• Strong sense of ownership and commitment to achieving business objectives.
• Good to excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Able to communicate effectively with international stakeholders.
• Committed to complying with government regulations and company policies.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• 5 working day per week
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Provident Fund
• Group Health Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Wedding Allowance
• Childbirth Allowance
• Bursary for Employee’s children, funeral assistance (parent, spouse and child)
• Financial Assistance for Fire, Flood, and Windstorm Incidents
• Language Learning Allowance (English, Chinese, Japanese)
• Dental Allowance
• Bursary for Employee’s Children
• Annual Health Check-Up
• Employee Discount Benefit (Retail Products & Service)
• PAÑPURI Onsen **(**Free of charge, with a maximum entitlement of up to four visits per month)
• Birthday Product & Service Allowance
• Flexible Wellness Benefits
• Funeral Assistance for Employee’s Pass Away
• Annual Leave, Birthday Leave

WHY JOIN PAÑPURI?

At PAÑPURI, we blend nature, science, and creativity to create meaningful wellness experiences. As Research & Product Development Manager, you will lead our R&D team and product development across global markets, shaping innovative products and signature scents that embody the PAÑPURI philosophy and meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory excellence.