R&D Assistant Manager / Senior Executive

Monroe Consulting Group; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in Malaysia seeks an R&D Assistant Manager / Senior Executive to drive product innovation at a prominent food & beverage manufacturer. The candidate will oversee formulation improvements, manage R&D projects, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Ideal applicants should have a relevant degree and 4-5 years of experience, including management. Strong project management and collaborative skills are essential. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact product development and market success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-5 years in R&D, including 1-2 years in a managerial role.
• Strong technical knowledge in product development and food analysis.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, ISO, FSSC) and Halal.

Responsibilities

• Support the head of Department in leading product development.
• Oversee resource planning and project timelines.
• Implement R&D strategy by managing new product introduction.
• Accountable for meeting target launch dates.
• Identify new projects based on market trends.
• Develop and optimize cost-effective formulations.
• Evaluate research results and provide recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with legal and food safety requirements.

Skills

Project management

Decision making

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or Food Technology

Job description

Executive recruitment company, Monroe Consulting Group is partnering with a leading Malaysian food & beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of industry presence, renowned for its wide portfolio of chocolates, confectionery, and beverage products. The company is now seeking to hire an R&D Assistant Manager / Senior Executive to strengthen its product development division.

This role plays a pivotal part in driving product innovation, improving formulations, and ensuring the successful commercialization of new products. The position will be instrumental in shaping the company's future offerings by translating market trends and business needs into high‑quality, safe, and commercially viable food products.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the head of Department in leading product development, formulation improvement and technical projects.
• Oversee resource planning, project timelines and department spend in line with agreed budget for R&D operations.
• Implementation of the organization's R&D strategy by managing new product introduction activities from strategic concept to commercialization.
• Accountable for meeting target launch dates by implementing work programmes in an integrated, timely and viable manner for a product to be successful in the market.
• Identifies of new projects (including development of new products) based on current market trends and input from Marketing division to help improve business growth.
• Develop, test and optimize cost‑effective formulations that meet cost, safety, quality and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate research results and provides recommendations to organization.
• Ensure all legal and Food Act requirements are adhered to.
• Responsible for ad hoc assignments which will be delegated to him/her from his/her superior(s) from time to time.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in a similar R&D role, with at least 1-2 years in managerial role.
• Strong technical knowledge in product development, food analysis and regulatory affairs.
• Excellent in project management, decision making and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross‑functionally.
• Knowledge of food safety & quality regulations (HACCP, ISO, FSSC) and Halal.
• Passion for staying updated on industry trends and innovations.