Research and Development Specialist

Frabelle Corporation; Caloocan; On-site; PHP 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Frabelle Corporation seeks an R&D Specialist II to drive development, improvement, reformulation, and commercialization of food products through research, data analysis, and process optimization. You will establish product specifications, manufacturing standards, and technical documentation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

Responsibilities include new product development, quality parameter setting, stability testing, packaging specs, supplier

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related discipline.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Six years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

Responsibilities

• New product development, reformulation, and product improvement projects.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, pilot runs, and data analysis to set specs.
• Perform stability tests, sensory evaluation, and microbiological checks.
• Prepare technical reports and manufacturing process documentation.
• Coordinate trial schedules with Production and other departments.
• Develop packaging specs and ingredient lists; support regulatory needs.
• Maintain SAP Material Master records and support cross-functional teams.
• Train and share knowledge on R&D processes and safety practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Experimental design

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Technology or related

Master's degree (advantage)

6 years experience in food manufacturing (alternative to degree)

Tools

SAP Material Master management

Job description

Job Description – R&D Specialist II

Job Summary

The R&D Specialist II is responsible for supporting the development, improvement, reformulation, and commercialization of food products through research, experimentation, data analysis, and process optimization. The role establishes product specifications, manufacturing standards, and technical documentation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development and continuous improvement initiatives. This position also serves as a benchmark for recruitment and competency requirements within the Research and Development Department.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. New Product Development, Product Improvement, and Reformulation

• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments and batch trial runs based on formulations provided by the Technical Manager or R&D Head.

• Monitor pilot and production-scale trial runs for new products, reformulations, and product improvements.

• Conduct and monitor product stability studies, including Freeze-Thaw Testing, pH Monitoring, Sensory Evaluation, and Microbiological Testing.

• Analyze data generated during laboratory and production trials to establish product standards and specifications.

• Evaluate results from sensory evaluations and prepare technical reports.

• Conduct and analyze Time and Motion Studies to support process optimization.

• Coordinate with Production and other departments to schedule trial runs.

• Develop and establish product specifications such as pH, Brix, Salt Content, viscosity, and other quality parameters.

• Prepare and update Manufacturing Process Flows for internal production and toll manufacturers.

• Develop Packaging Specifications for new products.

• Conduct benchmarking studies on competitor products.

• Create and maintain Ingredient Lists and Cooking Instructions.

2. Alternative Raw Material and Supplier Development

• Identify and evaluate alternative raw materials and suppliers to ensure supply continuity.

• Assess alternative ingredients for functionality, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

• Continuously improve existing products to enhance quality, taste, nutritional value, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Recommend cost-saving opportunities through ingredient optimization.

3. Process Improvement and Continuous Improvement Projects

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to process improvement initiatives.

• Prepare technical reports, observations, and case studies for continuous improvement projects.

• Conduct Time and Motion Studies in collaboration with Production and Finance.

• Coordinate trial schedules with concerned departments.

• Evaluate trial results and recommend process improvements.

• Develop and update Manufacturing Process Flows for internal production and toll manufacturing.

• Participate in equipment commissioning activities with Engineering and Production.

4. New Toll Manufacturer (Toller) Development

• Conduct and monitor product trials at toll manufacturing facilities.

• Analyze and summarize trial data.

• Prepare technical presentations and discussion materials for management review.

• Establish preliminary manufacturing standards and product specifications for toll production.

• Prepare comprehensive trial run reports and recommendations.

5. Documentation and Regulatory Support

• Control the issuance, revision, reproduction, and obsoletion of R&D documents.

• Develop and maintain departmental procedures, process flows, work instructions, and technical documentation.

• Ensure proper filing and safekeeping of R&D records, including product specifications, evaluation reports, laboratory test results, and process documents.

• Compile and organize product information required for FDA Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) applications.

6. Laboratory and Office Management

• Manage product samples for evaluation and maintain archive samples.

• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance within the R&D laboratory and office.

• Monitor inventory and withdrawal of laboratory chemicals, supplies, and office materials.

7. Cross-Functional Support

• Maintain Material Master records and recipes in SAP.

• Support Marketing in packaging development by reviewing artwork, bromide, layout, ingredient declarations, cooking instructions, and packaging dimensions.

• Coordinate with Production, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Engineering, Regulatory, and other departments to ensure successful project implementation.

8. Training and Knowledge Sharing

• Conduct technical training and knowledge-sharing sessions related to R&D, food safety, and product development.

• Keep abreast of new technologies, ingredients, food regulations, and industry trends to support innovation.

Job Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or any related discipline.

• A Master's degree is an advantage.

• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in the food manufacturing industry may be considered.

Training, Certifications, and Licenses

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Training

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Training/Certification

• Food Safety Management Systems Training (e.g., ISO 22000 Awareness)

• Professional Food Technologist License is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in Research and Development within the food manufacturing industry.

• Demonstrated experience in successful product development, reformulation, and commercialization projects.

• Experience in process improvement and cross-functional project implementation is preferred.

Core Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Product formulation and reformulation

• Food processing and manufacturing technologies

• Laboratory analysis and testing techniques

• Sensory evaluation and product validation

• Product stability testing

• Statistical data analysis and interpretation

• Manufacturing process development

• Technical documentation and report writing

• Packaging development and specifications

• Regulatory documentation and FDA compliance

• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, and Quality Management Systems

• SAP Material Master management (preferred)

Behavioral Competencies

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis

• Excellent planning and organizational skills

• Effective communication and collaboration

• Attention to detail and data accuracy

• Results-oriented with strong project execution skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Continuous learning mindset and innovation focus

• Leadership and coaching skills