R&D Manager

Toyo Ink; Selangor; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ink manufacturer in Malaysia is seeking an R&D Manager to lead formulation development and ensure product consistency. This role involves managing R&D projects from inception to commercialization, developing new ink formulations, and overseeing quality assurance. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry, extensive experience in ink formulation, and strong leadership abilities. The position requires occasional travel to customer sites and collaboration with production teams.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in ink formulation or similar field.
• Experience with gravure, flexo, and water-based ink chemistry preferred.
• Strong understanding of pigments, resins, solvents, and additives.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Develop new ink formulations and improve existing products.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Ink formulation

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading, managing and executing all research and formulation development activities within the ink division. This includes the development of new ink systems, improvement of existing products, raw material evaluation, trouble shooting and ensuring product consistency aligned with the company’s technical, commercial and quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities

A. Research and Formulation Development

• Develop new ink formulation (gravure, flexo, UV, solvent based and water-based).
• Improve existing products to enhance performance, cost efficiency and manufacturing stability.
• Evaluate, test and approve new raw materials in coordination with suppliers.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and maintain accurate formulation records.

B. Technical Support and Troubleshooting

• Provide technical support to sales, production, QC and customers.
• Attend customer sites for print trials, trouble shooting and technical investigations.
• Analyze product failures, propose corrective action and ensure timely resolution.
• Support colour matching and special formulation requests when required.

C. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure formulations comply with required standards, including safety and regulatory requirements.
• Establish product specifications, QC guidelines and testing procedures.
• Prepare and update SDS/MSDS and technical data sheets.
• Collaborate with QC and production to resolve quality deviations.

D. Project and Documentation Management

• Lead R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Prepare technical reports, test data analysis and cost evaluations.
• Coordinate scale-up trials with Production team.
• Maintain documentation, formulation archives and raw material databases.

E. Leadership and Team Development

• Supervise chemists, lab technician and R&D assistants.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance and ensure deadlines are met.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to team members.
• Promote innovation, safety and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators ( KPI )

• New product development lead time and success rate.
• Improvement in product stability and performance.
• Reduction in raw material cost via reformulation.
• Timely resolution of customer technical issues.
• Accuracy and compliance of technical documentation.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5‑10 years of experience in ink formulation, coating or pigment‑based system.
• Experience in gravure, flexo and water‑based ink chemistry is preferred.
• Strong understanding of pigments, resins, solvents and additives.
• Proficient in viscosity, adhesion, rheology, gloss and colour measurement testing.
• Strong analytical and trouble shooting skills.
• Knowledge of printing processes.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Good communication and technical report writing skills.
• Organized, disciplined and able to multitask effectively.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Occasional travel to customer sites or production facilities.