APAC Coffee & Tea R&D Lead

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead the development of coffee, tea and food offerings for Malaysia, Singapore and APAC markets. You will own the innovation pipeline, localise recipes, and ensure alignment with our global brand while collaborating with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing and Quality Assurance.

You will drive product trials, costing, and menu improvements, support new outlet openings and ensure quality, compliance, and profitability across all

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field is required or highly preferred.
• Experience in F&B R&D, product development and multi-outlet operations is essential.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, halal requirements and food safety standards is expected.
• Comfort with food costing, profitability analytics and data-informed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for new food and beverage products from concept to rollout.
• Develop and standardise recipes, formulations and product specs.
• Localise menus for Malaysian tastes while maintaining global brand identity.
• Conduct trials, tastings and evaluations for quality and feasibility.
• Train outlets on new products and support new openings.
• Ensure quality, compliance and cost control across outlets.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects with Operations, Marketing, Procurement and Supply Chain.
• Prepare regular progress and performance reports.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Professional culinary certification (a plus)

Job description

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead the development of coffee, tea and food offerings for Malaysia, Singapore and APAC markets. You will own the innovation pipeline, localise recipes, and ensure alignment with our global brand while collaborating with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing and Quality Assurance.

You will drive product trials, costing, and menu improvements, support new outlet openings and ensure quality, compliance, and profitability across all