Product Development Manager (R&D)

Responsible for managing beverage and food development projects, including ingredient review, supplier review, cost analysis, cost optimization, product specification, and commercialization support to NPI team.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.

Project Management:

• Manage new product projects including testing, execution and launching.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, andcross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development and launch processes.
• Develop and implement cost optimization projectsrelated to alternative materials/ ingredients and manufacturing processes.
• Identify and review alternative suppliers to mitigatebusiness risk of reliance on one single supplier.
• Proactively identify and mitigate product risks to projectsuccess 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 productdevelopment and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Ensure all new products’ testing and analysis areconducted accurately and efficiently.

Product Improvement

• Analyse and track product performance, customerfeedback, and market trends to identify opportunities forproduct enhancement and materials/ ingredients replacement to save cost.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop andimplement strategies to improve product quality andefficiency.

Process Management & Documentation

• Set up Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and proceduresin accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive documentationsystem, including study protocols, experimental data,laboratory notebooks, and reports, in compliance with GLP requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify noncompliance 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 aredelivered on time and within budget.

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 managementand 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 theirproperties, 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 andincrease 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