Manager (Research & Development)

Demeanour, Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Required

The ideal candidate’s demeanour and approach to life and work should be as follows:

• Biscuit-loving, fun-loving, optimistic, innovative, energetic, aspirational, tech-savvy, and eager to learn with a hearty zest for life, specifically humble, open, fearless and yet possessing a little edge to think and go out of the box;
• A good listener, trustworthy, reliable, honest, accountable, collegial, well-groomed and professional;
• Proactive, resourceful, detail oriented, well-organized, self-directed, and able to thrive in high-pressure situations;
• Appreciative and respectful of diverse cultures, abilities, genders, and different worldly belief systems.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Leading a cross-functional process of managing new product development pipeline from concept to commercialization in accordance with market trends, consumer insights/surveys, cost optimization, inventory list, machine capability, sensory evaluation, shelf life, and regulations to ensure products are launched on time and in line with product brief.
2. Designing and developing new products and processes, process control of biscuit production line up to commercialization and final packaging.
3. Verifying the approval of new and alternative ingredients sourced from reliable suppliers based on regulatory, quality, cost efficiency, inventory, and ease of handling.
4. Advising QA, Production, and Packing Department on ways to maintain consistency through setting of quality standards to efficiently operationalize products and processes.
5. Ensuring all products comply with regulations (including export requirements), halal requirements, brand values, and consumer expectations through product and process monitoring and optimization.
6. Ensuring effective implementation of all aspects related to R&D in quality objectives and policies, food safety management system, and addressing occupational health and safety management system.
7. Building a superior team by retaining, recruiting, and growing talent, establishing and executing development plans, identifying learning opportunities, and providing ongoing feedback and coaching up to succession plan.
8. Undertaking any and all other duties and responsibilities as instructed by the superior and/or Company.

Qualifications and Skills Required

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Degree/Master/PHD in Food Science Technology/Nutrition or equivalent, with at least 15 years of related working experience, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
• A high level of practical product development experience, preferably in the field of commercializing mass volume of biscuits or other similar bakery products.
• Good knowledge of formulations, baking technology, raw material functions, and regulatory requirements.
• The ability to embrace innovation and creativity in new product development in terms of raw materials and technological advancement.
• Good leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Strong people management and communication skills, able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees in the organization.
• Good time management, project management, planning, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Good multi-tasking skills and able to anticipate numerous assignments simultaneously while maintaining a positive work attitude.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team player where frequent collaboration across functional teams is necessary.
• Good interpersonal skills and collaboration skills.
• Positive thinking and able to work under pressure.
• The ability to lead and supervise a small team.
• To be based in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
• Willingness to travel and possession of own transport is preferred.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email for an interview.