Research and Development Supervisor

Zagu Foods Corporation; Pasig; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HMO upon regularization

Phone plan

Uniform provided

Leave benefits after 1 year

Growth opportunities

Product discounts

Job summary

ZaguFoods Corporation in Pasig seeks an experienced R&D Supervisor to lead flavor development, testing, and reformulation efforts. You will drive ingredient evaluation, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance across new products while coordinating with Marketing, Purchasing, ADD, and Operations to ensure successful launches.

The role requires 3–5 years in food R&D with at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity, plus strong lab skills and knowledge of ISO/FDA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Food Technology.
• 3–5 years of experience in food product development or R&D, with at least 1 year in supervision.
• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO, FDA or internal quality standards.
• Ability to design, test, and optimize formulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and testing of new flavors from concept to launch.
• Ensure formulations meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Purchasing, ADD, and Production for launches.
• Supervise sensory evaluations and cost optimization.
• Maintain product formulation documentation.
• Conduct supplier audits and material validation.
• Supervise staff and ensure testing protocols and safety.
• Prepare technical reports and approval sheets for R&D trials.
• Ensure GLP compliance and hygiene standards.
• Perform other duties to support department goals.

Skills

Laboratory equipment

Standard testing methods

Quality standards

Analytical thinking

Recipe/formulation intuition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Food Technology

Tools

ISO knowledge

FDA/Regulatory familiarity

Job description

Who We Are?

Our company,ZaguFoods Corporation, wasestablished in 1999.Through the years, Zagu has always welcomed applicants who wish to gain invaluable experience working for a respectable company.

From these humble beginning to its present success, ZAGU has proven that is not a passing fad, 85% of our current stores have been occupying the same leased space for more than three years.

ZAGU foods can be found in malls, supermarkets and roadside location. Behind the success of every ZAGU store is our professional management team and dedicated employees committed to putting the customer first and achieving excellence in everything.

What You’ll Do

The R&D Supervisor is responsible for leading the formulation, testing, and improvement of products to support innovation, quality enhancement, and cost efficiency. This role oversees the development of new products, the identification and qualification of alternative ingredients, and product reformulation to meet market, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The R&D Supervisor ensures that all development activities align with the company’s objectives for product performance, sensory acceptability, and cost competitiveness.

1. Product Development and Innovation

• Lead the design, development, and testing of new flavors from concept to commercialization.
• Ensure all formulations comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all new products meet sensory, cost, quality, and shelf-life requirements.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Purchasing, ADD, and Production teams for product launch readiness.
• Maintain documentation of product formulations, specifications, and processes.

2. Ingredient Sourcing and Evaluation

• Identify and evaluate new raw materials and alternative ingredients that can reduce cost or improve quality.
• Conduct sourcing activities in collaboration with Purchasing Department.
• Maintain a database of approved suppliers and validated materials.

3. Product Modification and Cost Reduction

• Review existing formulations to optimize cost, quality, and functionality.
• Recommend adjustments or substitutions to maintain product standards while achieving savings.
• Supervise trials and sensory evaluations to ensure acceptability of modified products.
• Document cost-reduction initiatives and their impact on performance.

4. Product Testing and Quality Evaluation

• Supervise sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and product performance validation.
• Monitor consumer feedback and product performance in the market in coordination with ADD and Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Marketing.
• Work with QA and Production teams to resolve formulation or process-related issues.

5. Supervision and Documentation

• Supervise staff and ensure adherence to testing protocols and safety standards and proper filing of documents.
• Supervise preparation of technical reports, documentation, and approval sheets for R&D trials.
• Train team members on new methods, equipment, or processes as needed.

6. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure completeness of Certificate of Product Registration for each product and raw materials
• Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and adhere to food safety and hygiene standards.

7. Supplier Audit and Accreditation

• Conduct on-site audits of suppliers to evaluate capability, food safety compliance, and quality assurance systems.
• Assess suppliers’ capabilities, product quality, and adherence to specifications, identifying potential risks or non-conformances.
• Maintain supplier performance records and take part in approval or disqualification decisions.
• Monitor supplier quality trends and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties that may be assigned from time to time as necessary to support departmental goals.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Food Technology
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in food product development or R&D, preferably in food manufacturing with at least 1 year in supervisory role.

Competency Skills:

• Proficient in handling laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform standardized testing methods.
• Proper sample preparation techniques.
• Familiarity with ISO, FDA or internal quality standards.
• Ability to follow validated test methods accurately.
• Knowledge of raw materials, ingredients, chemicals, and their functional properties.
• Understanding interactions and compatibility of components in formulations.
• Ability to calibrate, validate, and maintain testing instruments.
• Ensures accurate and repeatable measurement results.

Curious about the Work Schedule?

• Compressed work schedule: Monday to Thursday (6am – 5pm) and Friday (6am – 3pm)

What We Offer

• HMO upon regularization
• Communication benefits – phone and postpaid plan
• Free uniform
• Leave benefits after 1 year of employment. Leaves convertible to cash when not used
• Growth opportunities, flexibility and innovation
• Discounts on our products