R & D Manager

About Our Client

Our client is a global company with a 40-year history in manufacturing components for leading OEMs in the Office Automation industry. The business originated in the UK and expanded into North America and Asia, becoming the global partner of choice for many of the world’s major OEM manufacturers. The division seeking this role, based in Kulai, Johor, was established in 2013 to manufacture digital printing sub-assembly components and polyurethane products.

Position Summary

The R&D Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and enhancement of new and existing product designs, particularly in sectors such as filtration, office automation, automotive, and sub-assemblies. Key duties include researching non-woven materials for filtration, coordinating Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/A), and setting product testing criteria. The role involves leading new product development using current resources, managing plastic tooling, and driving product innovations with a focus on sustainable materials and cost-effective solutions. The R&D Manager works closely with sales to understand customer needs, supports customer visits, ensures timely sample submissions, and aligns designs with company margin targets while aiming for ongoing cost reductions. Some travel is required, and the role includes key performance indicators (KPIs) such as meeting project timelines, reducing costs, and optimizing product performance.

What you’ll be doing:

• Responsible for reviewing and supervision of new products and existing product designs, which includes but not limited to Filtration, Office Automation, Automotive and Sub-assemblies.
• Research different non-woven materials for optimum results in the filtration market.
• Coordinate the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly of all new products with the respective departments and setting out the testing criteria of each product based on the agreed design.
• Responsible for new product developments within the company using current resource.
• Research and develop product innovations, new product testing/validation, Value Analysis/Value Engineering.
• Responsible for the management of the plastic tooling (Design for Manufacturing, trials, repairs, tool counts etc.)
• With continued research, develop innovative solution which will include but not limited to sustainable materials, new filter media’s, adhesives & application.
• Understand the customer wants and needs and ensure the most cost effective/competitive design solutions for new and existing customers.
• Support Sales with customer visits to understand requirements & present our solutions.
• Ensure sample build & submission meeting customer time line & quality expectation.
• Through the design of products and the sustaining of existing products ensure that the company target margins are exceeded or met, with also keeping in mind ongoing cost reductions in the future.
• This position requires working closely with internal and external stake holders and some travel will be required (10%).
• KPI’s will include but not limited to, meeting project timelines within the New Product Introduction process, cost reduction through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly activities and product performance internally and externally

What we’re looking for:

• Graduate mechanical, manufacturing or materials engineer - B.Sc., B.Eng. or higher.
• Solid experience of minimum 5 years managing an R&D department in a face paced high-volume manufacturing environment - your experience will probably have been gained (but not exclusively) in light engineering / continuous high-volume production / small batch manufacturing / component supply or injection molding - where you will also have gained solid experience of managing a successful engineering and maintenance team and establishing your clear hands-on leadership style.
• You will be well versed in the development of engineering projects, including the specification and installation of specialist equipment.
• Numerate and financially aware, you will be an articulate and persuasive team leader - at ease with internal and external stakeholders alike.
• You will need good software skills within the MS Office suite of products, Solid works, AutoCAD and Minitab.
• Previous experience of working in a multicultural environment will be added advantage.

Basic Salary: MYR15,000 – MYR18,000

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

EA Personnel No R21101246

Company EA Registration No 21C0691

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: RM15,000.00 - RM18,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Opportunities for promotion
• Professional development

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• 13th month salary
• Performance bonus