Research Development Lead

PositiveLinks Asia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

PositiveLinks Asia seeks an R&D Lead to oversee innovation and product quality across SEA for global snack, beverage, sauce and noodle exports. The role spans strategic leadership, NPD, cost optimization and regulatory compliance.

You will drive end-to-end development, technology transfer, and scale-up from lab to manufacturing while building a robust pipeline and ensuring food safety standards across multiple markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline.
• 15–20 years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D.
• More than 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Strong experience in Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverages, Sauces, Seasonings or related food categories.
• Proven track record in innovation, commercialization and manufacturing support.
• Experience managing regional or multi-country operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of global food regulations, food safety systems and manufacturing processes.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Innovation to develop and execute the Group's long term R&D Strategy
• Build and manage the innovation pipeline across all categories and markets.
• Lead New Product Development (NPD), product renovation, engineering, cost optimization, product harmonization and identify emerging consumer trends, market opportunities and new technology
• Support business expansion through innovation and technical capability
• Drive premiumization, health & wellness, sustainability and clean-label initiatives.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept generation through commercialization
• Conduct feasibility assessments covering technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing plants.
• Drive commercialization activities and performance reviews.
• Establish and maintain technical mastery system of products, ingredients, packaging and manufacturing processes, formulation development and process optimization initiatives.
• Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities across the Group.
• Establish technical standards and best practices and ensure manufacturing capability is aligned with product and innovation requirements.
• Ensure Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with relevant Food Regulations, Halal Requirements, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP
• Build strategic partnerships and lead supplier innovation and ingredient qualification programs.
• Establish and maintain R&D policies, procedures and governance systems.
• Lead and develop R&D teams building competency, succession and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic leadership

Innovation

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

The R&D lead heads the organisation's innovation, product quality excellence, manufacturing, cost optimization and technology advancement encompassing food safety and regulations. This role manages the operations across SEA for global exports of snacks, beverages, sauces, seasonings and noodles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Innovation to develop and execute the Group's long term R&D Strategy
• Build and manage the innovation pipeline across all categories and markets.
• Lead New Product Development (NPD), product renovation, engineering, cost optimization, product harmonization and identify emerging consumer trends, market opportunities and new technology
• Support business expansion through innovation and technical capability
• Drive premiumization, health & wellness, sustainability and clean-label initiatives.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept generation through commercialization
• Conduct feasibility assessments covering technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing plants.
• Drive commercialization activities and performance reviews.
• Establish and maintain technical mastery system of products, ingredients, packaging and manufacturing processes, formulation development and process optimization initiatives.
• Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership and support to manufacturing facilities across the Group.
• Establish technical standards and best practices and ensure manufacturing capability is aligned with product and innovation requirements.
• Ensure Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with relevant Food Regulations, Halal Requirements, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP
• Build strategic partnerships and lead supplier innovation and ingredient qualification programs.
• Establish and maintain R&D policies, procedures and governance systems.
• Lead and develop R&D teams building competency, succession and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline.
• 15-20 years of experience in Food & Beverage R&D.
• More than 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Strong experience in Snacks, Instant Noodles, Beverages, Sauces, Seasonings or related food categories.
• Proven track record in innovation, commercialization and manufacturing support.
• Experience managing regional or multi-country operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of global food regulations, food safety systems and manufacturing processes.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required to support manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, innovation programs and business