Job Description

Position:   R&D Manager

Location:   Wellgrow Industrial Estate

Job Summary

We are looking for a dynamic R&D Manager to lead food product development from concept to launch. This role drives innovation, improves existing products, and ensures compliance with quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise in food science with strong leadership and a passion for culinary creativity in bakery products such as bread, cookies, muffin, brownies, chocolate products etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team in developing and optimizing food products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align innovation with business goals and market needs.
• Oversee lab, pilot, and plant trials to ensure feasibility and scalability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and labeling standards.
• Monitor trends, ingredients, and technologies to drive innovation.
• Optimize formulations and processes to improve product performance and reduce costs.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and supplier relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers, universities, and research institutions.
• Support IP documentation and liaise with external partners (e.g., universities, suppliers).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in food R&D, including 2+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, processing, and regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience with pilot and lab-scale equipment.
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with sensory testing, shelf-life evaluation, and packaging is a plus.
• Certifications in HACCP, GMP, or FSSC 22000