Regional Kitchen R&D & Menu Innovation Lead

Private Advertiser; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser in Malaysia seeks a senior professional to lead R&D, menu engineering and rollout of new F&B concepts across outlets. You will steer product development, ensure cost targets, and maintain brand integrity while adapting menus for local tastes.

The role demands strong project management, culinary knowledge, and cross-functional leadership, with extensive travel to outlets for on-site support and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a related food science or culinary field.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in multi-outlet F&B operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and launch of new F&B products.
• Create innovative menus based on trends and objectives.
• Develop and standardize recipes, methods and specs.
• Conduct trials, tastings and evaluations for quality.
• Localize menus for Malaysia while maintaining brand identity.
• Review and improve existing items for quality and profitability.
• Analyze performance and suggest menu optimizations.
• Ensure menu consistency across outlets via SOPs.
• Conduct food cost analysis and optimize costs.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain to source ingredients.
• Align product development with target costs and margins.
• Monitor pricing trends and propose alternatives.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and halal requirements.
• Develop product specs and quality control guidelines.
• Monitor market trends and conduct benchmarking.
• Gather customer feedback and translate to improvements.
• Train outlet teams on new products and SOPs.
• Support new openings and menu rollouts.
• Prepare product manuals and training materials.
• Lead cross-functional projects with Ops, Marketing, Procurement.
• Provide on-site support during launches and rollouts.
• Report R&D progress and outlet feedback to HQ.

Skills

AI Fluency

Digital literacy

Project management

Excel & PowerPoint

English & Mandarin

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Food Technology / Culinary Arts / Nutrition / Hospitality Management

Professional culinary certification (advantage)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Private Advertiser in Malaysia seeks a senior professional to lead R&D, menu engineering and rollout of new F&B concepts across outlets. You will steer product development, ensure cost targets, and maintain brand integrity while adapting menus for local tastes.

The role demands strong project management, culinary knowledge, and cross-functional leadership, with extensive travel to outlets for on-site support and training.