Manager, Packaging Technologist

Kellanova; Nilai; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leading food manufacturer is seeking a Process Technologist Manager based in Malaysia to oversee the commercialization of new innovations. You will collaborate with product developers and manufacturing teams ensuring quality and scalability of new projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 7-8 years of experience in process development within the food industry, and fluency in both Bahasa Melayu and English. This role may involve occasional travel and hands-on operation of process equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–8 years' experience in process development within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of food/process engineering principles.
• Experience with scale-up from lab to full-scale production.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercializing solutions for new process/material innovations.
• Define, plan & execute packaging trials to validate performance.
• Collaborate with teams for project handover and process standardization.

Skills

Process development

Food industry experience

Fluent in Bahasa Melayu

Fluent in English

Analytical mindset

Lean/Six Sigma principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Process Technologist Manager

Function & Business Unit: AMEA Snacks Research & Technology

Location: Singapore

Reports to: Associate Director, Process Innovation

Global Level: GL3

Summary

The Process Technologist acts as a link between Innovation workstream and Manufacturing team, responsible for commercializing new innovations into Enstek & Chonburi’s plant. Working closely with product developers on ensuring prototype specifications are defined correctly to produced products that meets quality & scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercializing solutions for new process/material innovations into manufacturing facilities.
• Define, plan & execute packaging trials with R&D developers & Manufacturing team to validate performance, quality, efficiency & stability.
• Identify & resolve technical & material issues during commercialization.
• Create process material & process specifications for the plant during handover.
• Collaborate with Product Developers, Process Innovation, engineers, supplier & Manufacturing to ensure smooth project handover.
• Support continuous improvement & standardization of process process & material quality specification.
• Function as a Program/Project Manager, Planner, Coordinator, Communicator, and Technical Expert.
• Provide strategic input to cross-functional teams and influence decision-making through technical insights.
• Identify & implement process productivity & sustainability improvements workstreams.
• Collaborate with suppliers and global resources for scaling new process solutions.
• Serve as subject matter expert in process engineering, raw material specification & Pringle chip finish goods quality.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current operational process technology & finished process quality performance.
• Manage 1 direct report, setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and supporting career development.
• Base in Enstek Malaysia, with travel (~20%) to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and regional offices.
• Occasional hands‑on operation of process equipment, extended hours, shift work or weekend support as needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Process, Mechanical, or Food), Food Science/Process /Technology degree or any related field.
• Minimum 7–8 years’ experience in process development or manufacturing within the food industry. Past managerial experience is preferred.
• Fluent in Bahasa Melayu & English language.
• Strong understanding of food/process engineering principles (heat transfer, powder flowability, mass balance, rheology, fluid dynamics, drying, mixing, extrusion).
• Experience with scale‑up from lab/pilot plant to full‑scale production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, automation, and equipment capability.
• Familiarity with process validation (CQV – Commissioning, Qualification, Validation).
• Able to translate R&D prototypes into commercially viable and scalable processes.
• Competence in trial planning, DOE (Design of Experiments), and data analysis to optimize processes.
• Experience with equipment commissioning, line trials, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
• Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and process efficiency. (OEE, yield loss).
• Excellent communication with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Skilled in writing process documentation, SOPs, and handover reports.
• Analytical mindset – uses data and root cause analysis to troubleshoot process issues.
• Applies Lean / Six Sigma / Kaizen principles to drive improvement and waste reduction.
• Experience in new equipment evaluation and innovation trials.

Desirable

• Experience in snacks, baking process or frying/dough making systems.
• Experience with Minitab or any data analysis, statistical, process improvement tool.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance for food or pharma.
• Experience working with suppliers and external partners on pro technology development.

Key Relationships

• Reports to Sr. R & T Manager, AMEA Snacks.
• Collaborate with Marketing, R & T Technologists, Project Managers, Sensory, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales.
• External contacts: packaging material suppliers, equipment vendors, co‑manufacturers, consultants, and research organizations.

What’s Next

After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Equal Opportunity

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.