Head of R&D (FMCG)

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

Job summary

Hunters International Sdn Bhd is recruiting a Head of R&D to steer innovation and quality across Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and global export markets.

You will lead NPD, product renovations, and process improvements for Snacks, Noodles, Beverages and sauces, while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required.

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 generation through commercialization.
• Establish technical mastery for 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, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP.
• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities and research institutes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Cross-functional Collaboration

Project Management

Innovation & NPD

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology/Engineering or Chemistry

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