Team Lead / Manager – R&D (Snack & Noodle Category)

Serba Wangi Sdn Bhd; Penang; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A food innovation company is looking for a passionate Team Lead / Manager for R&D in the Snack & Noodle category. This role entails leading product development, managing R&D projects, and overseeing a team of food technologists. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in developing snack or noodle seasonings, with a strong background in product development and regulatory standards. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape future food innovations in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of experience in developing snack seasonings or related mixes.
• Strong understanding of product development processes and regulatory standards.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate ideas based on market research and trends.
• Develop prototypes to test product functionality.
• Manage R&D projects including timelines and budgets.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of food technologists.

Skills

Customer-focused

Creative thinking

Effective communication

Initiative

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Team Lead / Manager – R&D (Snack & Noodle Category)

Are you a passionate and experienced Team Lead / Manager – R&D in Snack & Noodle category looking to redefine the future of food innovation? We are on the lookout for leaders to drive cutting‑edge research and development in seasonings, pastes and sauces.

In this role, you will be responsible for generating innovative ideas, conceptualising new products or enhancements and managing the entire research and development process. This role will be involved in the development of prototypes, sourcing materials, managing R&D projects and engineering packaging specifications that meet regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Generate ideas and conceptualise new products or product enhancements based on market research, consumer insights and emerging trends.
• Develop prototypes to test product functionality and performance.
• Gather feedback and conduct feasibility assessments to refine and improve product designs.
• Develop ideas and solutions for new packaging or packaging enhancements, considering factors such as branding, shelf presence, usability and environmental impact.
• Engineer packaging specifications, materials selection and structural designs, ensuring that packaging meets product protection, transportation and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support existing product renovation to improve taste, stability and cost.
• Manage R&D projects, including defining timelines, budgets and resource allocations.
• Coordinate activities across different functions to ensure successful commercialisation of new product launches.
• Coordinate internally (Product Development and QM & Regulatory Affairs) to align ingredient sourcing with product development needs and production schedules.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align product concepts with organisational goals.
• Prepare relevant reports for Management review.
• Lead the product costing process, ensuring formulations meet margin targets and cost guidelines.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities through ingredient substitution, reformulation, process improvements and packaging optimisation.
• Manage annual R&D budgeting for projects, ingredients, lab equipment and trials.
• Track and monitor ingredient market prices and maintain cost models for key formulations.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of food technologists and flavour development staff.
• Allocate resources, prioritise workloads and ensure effective project execution.
• Build technical capability within the team through training, benchmarking and process improvements.
• Foster a high‑performance team culture focused on innovation, agility and cost‑conscious development.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of hands‑on experience in developing snack seasonings, noodle seasonings, flavour blends, or related dry mixes within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, regulatory standards and packaging engineering.
• Customer‑focused and results‑driven.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in the food manufacturing industry.
• Creative thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and work well in a fast‑paced environment.

Application Questions

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as a team manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?