Head of R&D (Research & Development) for Cocoa Company

Pengiklan Anonim; Sumedang; On-site; IDR 350,000,000 - 600,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Pengiklan Anonim is seeking a seasoned Head of R&D to steer the cocoa program in Sumedang. You will lead end-to-end product innovation for B2B customers, shaping formulations and scaling processes from lab to production.

You will mentor a team of scientists, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with Sales to deliver technical solutions. A 10–15 year FMCG R&D track record in chocolate/cocoa and on-site presence are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in R&D within FMCG, preferably in chocolate or cocoa commodity
• Proven experience in leading R&D teams and managing projects end-to-end for B2B business

Responsibilities

• Define and execute R&D roadmap aligned with business objectives and market trends
• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team (food scientists, technologists, lab staff)
• Lead development of new chocolate products (e.g., compound chocolate, couverture, fillings)
• Improve existing formulations for cost efficiency, quality, and scalability
• Drive innovation in taste, texture, shelf-life, and functional attributes
• Oversee lab-to-production scale-up, ensuring consistency and manufacturability
• Work with plant operations to improve processing (roasting, conching, tempering, molding)
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and yield improvement
• Ensure all products meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements (BPOM, Halal, etc.)
• Establish and maintain product specifications and documentation
• Support audits and certifications
• Support key customers with technical solutions and customized product development
• Partner with Sales team for product presentations and troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science/Technology or related field

Job description

Head of R&D (Research & Development) for Cocoa Company

The Head of R&D (B2B) will lead the end-to-end product innovation and development strategy for the cocoa business. This role is responsible for driving product excellence, improving formulations, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Define and execute R&D roadmap aligned with business objectives and market trends

Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team (food scientists, technologists, lab staff)

Lead development of new chocolate products (e.g., compound chocolate, couverture, fillings)

Improve existing formulations for cost efficiency, quality, and scalability

Drive innovation in taste, texture, shelf-life, and functional attributes

Process Optimization & Scale-Up

Oversee lab-to-production scale-up, ensuring consistency and manufacturability

Work with plant operations to improve processing (roasting, conching, tempering, molding)

Identify opportunities for cost reduction and yield improvement

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all products meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements (BPOM, Halal, etc.)

Establish and maintain product specifications and documentation

Support audits and certifications

Customer & B2B Support

Support key customers with technical solutions and customized product development

Partner with Sales team for product presentations and troubleshooting

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field

Minimum 10–15 years of experience in R&D within FMCG, preferably in chocolate or cocoa commodity

Proven experience in leading R&D teams and managing projects end-to‑end for B2B business

Willing to work at Sumedang office