Head of R&D

Hunters International Sdn Bhd; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 223,200 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunters International Sdn Bhd is seeking a Head of R&D for a leading FMCG group with a regional footprint across Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and global export markets. You will drive innovation-led growth, ensure product quality, support manufacturing, and advance technology while meeting regulatory and food-safety requirements.

The role oversees end-to-end product development across Snacks, Noodles, Beverages and sauces, with a focus on optimization, scale-up and commercialization.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Strong experience in Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverages, Sauces, Seasonings or related food categories.
• Proven track record in innovation, commercialization and manufacturing support.
• Experience managing regional or multi-country operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of global food regulations, food safety systems and manufacturing processes.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, innovation programs and business.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Group R&D Strategy aligned with business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization.
• Establish technical mastery across products, ingredients, packaging and processes.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities across the Group.
• Ensure compliance with local and international food regulations, Halal requirements and GMP.
• Lead supplier collaboration, external partnerships and material qualification programs.
• Drive consumer-centric product development and sensory excellence.
• Govern R&D governance, knowledge management and digitalization initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

R&D Strategy

Project Management

Quality & Food Safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology/Engineering/Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

About Our Client

Our Client is a leading FMCG company specializing in snack foods and beverages with a strong regional presence. They operate multiple manufacturing plants and exports to over 80 countries worldwide, well known for continuous product innovation, strong branding, and diverse consumer-focused product lines.

Job Overview

The Head of R&D serves as the technical leader for the organization, responsible for delivering innovation-led growth, product quality excellence, manufacturing support, cost optimization, and technology advancement while ensuring compliance with regulatory, food safety, and customer requirements.

The role oversees R&D operations supporting Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and global export markets, covering Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverage, Sauces, Seasonings, Culinary Products and future growth categories.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute the Group R&D Strategy aligned with business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Build and manage the innovation pipeline across all categories and markets.
• Lead New Product Development (NPD), product renovation, engineering, cost optimization and product harmonization programs.
• Identify emerging consumer trends, market opportunities and new technology platforms.
• Support business expansion through innovation and technical capability development.
• Drive premiumization, health & wellness, sustainability and clean-label initiatives.

2. Product Development & Commercialization

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept generation through commercialization.
• Manage product development for Snacks, Potato Chips & Crisps, Instant Noodles & Noodle Snacks, Beverage, Sauces, Condiments and Culinary Products.
• Conduct feasibility assessments covering technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure successful scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing plants.
• Lead product benchmarking, sensory evaluation and consumer validation programs.
• Drive commercialization activities and performance reviews.

3. Product, Process & Packaging Technology

• Establish and maintain technical mastery system of products, ingredients, packaging and manufacturing processes.
• Lead formulation development and process optimization initiatives.
• Develop proprietary technologies, recipes and manufacturing know-how.
• Evaluate and implement new ingredients, technologies and packaging solutions.
• Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive alternative material and productivity improvement programs.

4. Manufacturing Technical Support

• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities across the Group.
• Lead root cause investigations for quality, process and product performance issues.
• Support factory trials, process validations and commissioning activities.
• Establish technical standards and best practices across manufacturing sites.
• Ensure manufacturing capability is aligned with product and innovation requirements.

5. Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all products are developed according to Food Safety by Design principles.
• Ensure compliance with Local Food Regulations, International Food Regulations, Customer Standards, Halal Requirements, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP
• Review and approve Product specifications, Ingredient declarations, Nutrition information, Shelf-life recommendations, Technical documentation
• Support customer complaints, crisis management and product quality investigations.

6. Supplier Innovation & External Collaboration

• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities and/or research institutes.
• Lead supplier innovation and ingredient qualification programs.
• Evaluate new raw materials, packaging materials and processing technologies.
• Support supplier technical audits and qualification activities.

7. Consumer & Sensory Excellence

• Lead consumer-centric product development programs.
• Establish sensory methodologies and evaluation standards.
• Conduct benchmarking, sensory optimization and consumer acceptance studies.
• Translate consumer insights into commercially successful products.

8. R&D Governance & Knowledge Management

• Establish and maintain R&D policies, procedures and governance systems.
• Ensure proper management of Formulations, Product Specifications, Bills of Materials, Technical Databases & Intellectual Property
• Drive digitalization of R&D systems and processes.
• Protect proprietary information and confidential technical data.

9. Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop R&D teams
• Build technical competency and succession pipelines.
• Coach, mentor and develop future technical leaders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs and development plans for team members.

Key Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline.
• 10-15 years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Strong experience in Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverages, Sauces, Seasonings or related food categories.
• Proven track record in innovation, commercialization and manufacturing support.
• Experience managing regional or multi-country operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of global food regulations, food safety systems and manufacturing processes.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, innovation programs and business.

Working Location

Subang Jaya, Selangor

Remuneration Package

RM 20,000 - RM 25,000