Research and Development Manager

WOODPECKERS GROUP SDN. BHD.; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Medical Coverage

Professional Development & Training

Supportive & Collaborative Work Env.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Work-Life Balance

Inclusive Workplace

Job summary

WOODPECKERS GROUP SDN. BHD. seeks a Research and Development Manager in Kota Damansara, Selangor to spearhead our R&D initiatives within the food technology and safety sector.

You will drive innovation, oversee product development projects, and ensure all regulatory and Halal standards are met. The role requires leadership across teams and a focus on delivering new brands and products while maintaining high food safety practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in F&B R&D or product development.
• Proven ability to take products from concept to launch across multiple brands/outlets.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian consumer preferences, Halal requirements, and F&B trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead product innovation and development strategy across all brands.
• Develop, test, and standardise new recipes and products.
• Manage product costing, pricing, profitability, and commercial viability.
• Develop LTOs, seasonal products, campaigns, and delivery-exclusive items.
• Lead product presentation, styling, photoshoots, and packaging development.
• Ensure SOPs and training materials for new products are in place.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, Halal, regulatory and quality standards.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and consumer insights to identify opportunities.
• Manage suppliers, ingredients, testing, and approved supplier lists.
• Lead the R&D team and collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance.

Skills

R&D Leadership

Product Development

Regulatory Compliance

Halal Knowledge

Food Safety

Market Trends

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a Research and Development Manager to join WOODPECKERS GROUP SDN. BHD. in Kota Damansara, Selangor. This is a full-time position that offers a strategic opportunity to lead and manage our research and development initiatives within the food technology and safety sector. As R&D Manager, you will be responsible for driving innovation, overseeing product development projects, and ensuring that all food safety standards and regulatory requirements are met. This role is integral to our company's mission to develop cutting-edge food technology solutions and maintain the highest standards of food safety in our operations.

Key responsibilities

Lead product innovation and new product development strategy across all brands.

Develop, formulate, test, and standardise new recipes and products.

Manage product costing, pricing, profitability, and commercial viability.

Develop LTOs, seasonal products, campaigns, and delivery-exclusive items.

Lead product presentation, food styling, photoshoots, and packaging development.

Ensure new products are operationally feasible with proper SOPs and training materials.

Ensure compliance with food safety, Halal, regulatory, and quality standards.

Monitor market trends, competitors, and consumer insights to identify innovation opportunities.

Manage suppliers, ingredients, product testing, and approved supplier lists.

Lead the R&D team and collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance on product development and new brand launches.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field.

Minimum 5-8 years' experience in F&B R&D or product development, preferably in beverages, frozen desserts, or QSR/café concepts.

Proven experience taking products from concept to commercial launch in a multi-brand/outlet environment.

Strong knowledge of Malaysian consumer preferences, Halal requirements, and F&B trends.

Experience in frozen desserts, milk tea, specialty beverages, or lifestyle drinks is an advantage.

Exposure to international F&B trends and delivery platforms is a plus.

What we offer

WOODPECKERS GROUP SDN. BHD. is committed to supporting the professional growth and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Our benefits include comprehensive health and medical coverage, opportunities for continuing professional development and training, a supportive and collaborative work environment, and potential for career advancement within the organisation. We value work-life balance and encourage our team members to maintain their personal wellbeing whilst contributing to our mission. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

• comprehensive health and medical coverage
• opportunities for continuing professional development and training
• a supportive and collaborative work environment
• potential for career advancement within the organisation
• We value work-life balance and encourage our team members to maintain their personal wellbeing whilst contributing to our mission.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

The Woodpeckers Group believes that food brings people together, regardless of race, gender or religion. Since food is often the centre of most gatherings, the Woodpeckers Group aims to introduce different cultures through food and beverages as well as to provide delicious and quality food to everyone.

We pride ourselves in offering our customers a cultural food experience that they would always remember, from the renowned and nutritious Spanish natural frozen yogurt, llaollao, to Thailand's most loved Thai milk tea brand ChaTraMue, to our very own home grown high-end western gourment restaurant 'tbc' and coconut shake brand Shae.co

We pride ourselves in offering our customers a cultural food experience that they would always remember, from the renowned and nutritious Spanish natural frozen yogurt, llaollao, to Thailand's most loved Thai milk tea brand ChaTraMue, to our very own home grown high-end western gourment restaurant 'tbc' and coconut shake brand Shae.co

What can I earn as a Research and Development Manager