Senior Manager (R&D)

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. To lead a cross-functional process of managing new product development pipeline from concept to commercialization in accordance to market trend, consumer insights/survey, 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. To be responsible for designing, developing new products and processes, process control of biscuit production line up to commercialization and final packaging. 3. To verify the approval of new and alternative ingredients sourced from reliable supplier based on regulatory, quality, cost efficiency, inventory, and ease of handling. 4. To advise QA, Production and Packing Department on ways to maintain consistency through setting of quality standards to efficiently operationalize product and processes. 5. To ensure all tee products comply with regulations (including export requirements), halal requirements, brand values and consumer expectations through product and process monitoring and optimization. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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.