Senior/ R&D Executive (Food)

Randstad Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Malaysia is sourcing an hands-on R&D Executive / Senior Executive for a well-established food manufacturer focused on snacks and nuts. The role covers leading NPD and product improvements from concept to commercialisation, with close collaboration across Production, QA, Purchasing and Sales & Marketing.

You will develop formulations, conduct trials, ensure shelf-life testing and regulatory compliance, including Halal standards, and manage projects independently with regular updates to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition Science or a related discipline.
• R&D Executive: Preferably 2–3 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, formulation or product development.
• Senior R&D Executive: Preferably 4–5 years of relevant experience, with the ability to independently manage NPD projects.
• Hands-on experience in food formulation, product trials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in snacks, preserved fruits, nuts, flavoured nuts or related food products would be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, Halal requirements and food regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proactive, resourceful and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
• Good cross-functional communication and project coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute new product development (NPD) and product improvement projects.
• Develop and optimise product formulations through laboratory trials, sensory evaluations and shelf-life testing.
• Collaborate with Production, QA, Purchasing and Sales & Marketing teams to ensure successful product development and commercialisation.
• Conduct production trials and scale-up activities, ensuring product formulations are compatible with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, cost optimisation and formulation improvements based on market trends and consumer preferences.
• Evaluate new ingredients, alternative raw materials and supplier samples to enhance product quality and cost efficiency.
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, including formulations, product specifications, trial reports and testing records.
• Ensure product development activities comply with food safety standards, Halal requirements and applicable food regulations.
• Support packaging and labelling reviews to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Independently manage assigned projects, monitor timelines and provide regular progress updates to management.

Education

Bachelor Degree

Job description

about the company

Our client is an established food manufacturing company specialising in a diverse range of snack products. With a strong focus on product innovation, quality and continuous improvement, the company is looking for a hands-on and proactive R&D Executive / Senior Executive to support its growing product development initiatives.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy developing new food products, improving existing formulations and taking ownership of projects from concept through commercialisation.

about the job

• Lead and execute new product development (NPD) and product improvement projects, particularly for preserved fruits, nuts, flavoured nuts and snack products.
• Develop and optimise product formulations through laboratory trials, sensory evaluations and shelf-life testing.
• Collaborate with Production, QA, Purchasing and Sales & Marketing teams to ensure successful product development and commercialisation.
• Conduct production trials and scale-up activities, ensuring product formulations are compatible with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, cost optimisation and formulation improvements based on market trends and consumer preferences.
• Evaluate new ingredients, alternative raw materials and supplier samples to enhance product quality and cost efficiency.
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, including formulations, product specifications, trial reports and testing records.
• Ensure product development activities comply with food safety standards, Halal requirements and applicable food regulations.
• Support packaging and labelling reviews to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Independently manage assigned projects, monitor timelines and provide regular progress updates to management.

about the qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition Science or a related discipline.
• R&D Executive: Preferably 2–3 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, formulation or product development.
• Senior R&D Executive: Preferably 4–5 years of relevant experience, with the ability to independently manage NPD projects.
• Hands-on experience in food formulation, product trials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in snacks, preserved fruits, nuts, flavoured nuts or related food products would be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, Halal requirements and food regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proactive, resourceful and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
• Good cross-functional communication and project coordination skills.

skills

no additional skills required

qualifications

no additional qualifications required

education

Bachelor Degree