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:

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

Qualifications and Skills Required

The ideal candidate will/ have:

• Possess at least Degree/ Master/ PHD in Food Science Technology/ Nutrition or equivalent, with at least 15 years related working experience, preferably in food manufacturing environment.
• Possess 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 on formulations, baking technology, raw material functions and regulatory requirements.
• Possess ability to embrace innovation and creativity in new product development in terms of raw materials and technological advancement.
• Possess good leadership skills and problem-solving skills.
• Strong people management and communication skill, 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.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as team player where frequent collaboration across functional teams is necessary.
• Good interpersonal skills, good collaboration skills and attitudes.
• Positive thinking and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to lead and supervise a small team.
• To be based in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
• Willing to travel and possession of own transport is preferred.