Job Description  : R&D Manager (Food Industry)

Department: R&D

Job title Direct Superior: Regional R&D Manager

Job title direct subordinates: R&D Department

Location: Chachoengsao 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative R&D Manager to lead our food product development efforts. This role is responsible for driving innovation, improving existing products, and ensuring that all new developments meet quality, safety, cost, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, excellent project management skills, and a passion for culinary creativity and scientific rigor.

Job Description:

• Lead and manage the R&D team in developing new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to align product development with business strategy and customer needs.
• Oversee lab-scale, pilot, and plant trials to ensure product feasibility, scalability, and quality.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, labeling laws, and internal standards.
• Continuously analyze trends, ingredients, and technologies to fuel innovation.
• Improve existing products through formulation changes, process optimization, or ingredient cost savings.
• Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and resource planning effectively.
• Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers, universities, and research institutions.
• Document and protect intellectual property related to new product developments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in food product development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of food processing, ingredients, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on experience with lab and pilot-scale food processing equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and packaging development is a plus.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• Knowledge of clean-label, plant-based, or functional food trends.
• Experience working with ERP or SAP systems.
• Certifications in HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000 or food safety management systems.