Research and Development Manager

DLA NATURALS, INC.; Subic; On-site; PHP 893,000 - 1,674,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Naturals Inc. is seeking an experienced Research and Development (R&D) Manager to lead the development, improvement, and commercialization of innovative food products.

You will oversee new product development, product optimization, industrial scale-up, and provide technical support while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include leading the R&D team, coordinating with production, QA, purchasing, and sales, and evaluating materials for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in food product development or manufacturing with at least 3 years in R&D leadership.
• Proven experience from concept to industrial production.
• Strong knowledge of food formulation, chemistry, microbiology, shelf-life, HACCP and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and commercialization of new food products from customer requirements and market trends.
• Improve existing formulations, processes, quality, shelf life, and efficiency.
• Oversee product development from lab formulations to pilot trials to full-scale production.
• Conduct product evaluations including sensory, stability, and shelf life testing.
• Prepare and maintain technical specs, formulations, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with Production, QA, Purchasing, Sales and other departments for launches.
• Evaluate raw materials, ingredients and suppliers for quality and cost.
• Lead the R&D team and drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science/Technology/Chemical Eng

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

ERP systems

Formulation software

Power BI

Job description

Research and Development (R&D) Manager

About the Role

DLA Naturals Inc. is seeking an experienced Research and Development (R&D) Manager to lead the development, improvement, and commercialization of innovative food products. The successful candidate will oversee new product development, product optimization, industrial scale-up, and technical support while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialization of new food products based on customer requirements and market trends.

• Improve existing formulations, processes, product quality, shelf life, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Manage product development from laboratory formulation through pilot trials to full-scale commercial production.

• Conduct product evaluations, including sensory, stability, shelf life, and performance testing.

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, product specifications, formulations, and manufacturing instructions.

• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Sales, and other departments to ensure successful product launches.

• Evaluate raw materials, ingredients, and suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead the R&D team, manage development projects, and drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in food product development or food manufacturing, with at least 3 years in an R&D managerial or supervisory role.

• Proven experience in developing and commercializing food products from concept to industrial production.

• Strong knowledge of food formulation, food chemistry, microbiology, shelf life evaluation, HACCP, food regulations, and industrial food processing.

• Experience in bakery ingredients, fruit preparations, sauces, confectionery, chocolate, or related food products is highly preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems. Experience with formulation software or Power BI is an advantage.

• Strong leadership, project management, analytical, and communication skills.