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

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

Job summary

A Leading Food Innovation Company in Malaysia is seeking a passionate Team Lead / Manager – R&D to drive innovative solutions in the Snack & Noodle category. The role involves overseeing the entire R&D process, from generating product ideas and managing prototypes to coordinating project activities across functions. With 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in food manufacturing, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills and effective communication abilities, fostering a high-performance team culture focused on innovation and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in developing seasonings and flavour blends.
• Strong understanding of product development and regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with packaging engineering and food manufacturing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Generate innovative product ideas and manage the R&D process.
• Develop prototypes and conduct feasibility assessments.
• Lead R&D projects, ensuring budget and timeline management.
• Coach and develop a team of food technologists.

Skills

Product development processes

Regulatory standards

Creative thinking

Problem-solving abilities

Effective communication

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field

Job description

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

Are you apassionate and experienced Team Lead / Manager – R&D in Snack & Noodle categorylooking to redefine the future of food innovation? We are on the lookout forleadersto drive cutting‑edgeresearch and developmentinseasonings, pastes and sauces.

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

If you have the expertise and creativity to revolutionise the food industry, we want to hear from you!

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, ensure that packaging meets product protection, transportation and regulatory requirements.

Lead and support existing product renovation to improve taste, stability and cost.

Project Management

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.

Costing, Budget Management and Cost Optimization

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.

Technical Leadership & Team Development

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.