R&D Manager (F&B)

Monroe Consulting Group; Bandung; Hybrid; IDR 120,000,000 - 240,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Monroe Consulting Group is partnering with a consumer-focused organisation in Bandung, Indonesia to hire an R&D Manager. This hybrid role leads innovation and product development across multiple food and beverage categories, driving commercialisation and cross-functional collaboration to support growth.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years in R&D, a Bachelor’s in a related field, and prior managerial experience. Willingness to travel to Bandung 2 days per week is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in R&D, preferably within F&B or related industries.
• Previous experience in a managerial or team leadership role.
• Willing to travel to Bandung for 2 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee R&D activities across multiple F&B products and categories.
• Develop and improve products in line with consumer preferences and market trends.
• Lead end-to-end product development from ideation to commercialisation.
• Manage and develop the R&D team and ensure project execution on timelines.
• Collaborate with Operations, Procurement, Quality, Marketing and others for successful launches.
• Conduct product testing, trials, and evaluation for quality and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and cost optimisation.
• Ensure R&D activities comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Food Technology / Chemistry

Job description

Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with an organisation in the Consumer industry to hire an R&D Manager. This opportunity is based in Bandung, Indonesia (Hybrid).

Position Overview

Lead innovation and product development initiatives across multiple food and beverage categories while ensuring alignment with consumer preferences and business objectives.
Drive successful product commercialisation, team performance, and cross-functional collaboration to support the organisation's growth and market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee R&D activities across multiple F&B products and categories.
• Develop and improve products in line with consumer preferences, market trends, and business objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end product development process, from ideation and formulation through testing, trials, and commercialisation.
• Manage and develop the R&D team while ensuring effective project execution and timelines.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Procurement, Quality, Marketing, and other relevant functions to ensure successful product launches.
• Conduct product testing, trials, and evaluation to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, improvement, and cost optimisation.
• Ensure R&D activities comply with relevant food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in R&D, preferably within the F&B, food manufacturing, restaurant, or food ingredients industry.
• Previous experience in a managerial or team leadership role.
• Proven experience managing multiple R&D projects simultaneously.
• Willing to travel to Bandung for 2 days per week.

Technical / Functional Expertise

• Strong knowledge of food formulation, product development, and commercialisation.
• Experience leading the end-to-end product development process, from ideation and formulation through testing, trials, and commercialisation.
• Understanding of food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Ability to conduct product testing, trials, and evaluation to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability.
• Experience identifying opportunities for product innovation, improvement, and cost optimisation.

Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Commercially minded with a good understanding of consumer and market trends.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to manage teams, prioritise projects, and deliver results within agreed timelines.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across multiple business functions.