RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (URGENT! - FMCG Non-Food)

Align Business Corp.

Parañaque

On-site

PHP 1,200,000 - 2,000,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Align Business Corp. seeks an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead regulatory compliance, drive product development, and optimize QA processes. You will mentor teams, manage stage-gate workflows, and collaborate with Marketing, Production, and regulatory bodies to ensure timely, compliant, market-ready solutions.

The role requires 7–10 years in R&D or quality management within FMCG, with strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Food Technology, or related scientific field.
7–10 years in R&D, product development, or quality management.
Understanding FMCG industry and compliance.
Experience leading cross-functional teams on complex projects.
Regulatory compliance, document control, and audits experience.

Responsibilities

Lead regulatory compliance activities across R&D.
Oversee product development from concept to commercialization.
Manage QA and document control systems.
Improve R&D processes and SOPs; stage-gate management.
Lead cross-functional teams; mentor staff.
Align R&D with business strategy and regulatory standards.
Collaborate with Manufacturing for tech transfer.
Monitor project KPIs and budgets.
Present progress to senior management.
Maintain relationships with external research institutions.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Quality assurance

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Process optimization

Data analysis

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree or higher

Regulatory Affairs / Quality Assurance training

Job description

A RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER is a strategic leader responsible for driving innovation, overseeing product development, and ensuring that new technologies and processes align with organizational goals. The role involves managing R&D projects, leading cross-functional teams, and fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement to deliver competitive, market-ready solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Research & Dev. Manager

1. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure all R&D activities comply with local and international regulatory standards (FDA, ISO, GMP, etc.).
Oversee preparation and submission of regulatory documentation for product approvals.
Liaise with government agencies and regulatory bodies to secure certifications and licenses.
Monitor changes in laws and regulations, updating internal policies and processes accordingly.
Train staff on compliance requirements and ensure adherence during product development and testing.

2. Product Development

Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new products and enhancements.
Conduct feasibility studies, market analysis, and competitor benchmarking to guide innovation.
Supervise prototyping, pilot runs, and validation testing before commercialization.
Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to align product features with customer needs.
Ensure product development timelines and budgets are met without compromising quality.

3. Quality Assurance (QA) & Document Control (DC)

Establish and enforce quality standards, testing protocols, and inspection procedures.
Oversee QA teams to ensure products meet safety, performance, and reliability benchmarks.
Implement and maintain document control systems for R&D records, test results, and approvals.
Conduct audits and reviews to ensure accuracy, traceability, and compliance of documentation.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce defects.

4. Process Management & Optimization

Develop and refine R&D processes, workflows, and SOPs to improve efficiency.
Implement stage-gate project management systems for structured product development.
Identify bottlenecks and introduce process innovations to reduce time-to-market.
Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure smooth technology transfer from R&D to production.
Monitor KPIs such as project success rate, cost efficiency, and cycle time reduction.

5. Leadership & Collaboration

Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, QA, Regulatory, and Production.
Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of compliance, innovation, and accountability.
Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes to senior management.
Build partnerships with external research institutions, suppliers, and industry experts.

6. Strategic Planning & Alignment

Define R&D priorities in line with business strategy, competitive landscape, and technical opportunities.
Develop long-term innovation roadmaps to ensure the company remains competitive.
Identify emerging technologies and market trends to guide research direction.

7. Project & Portfolio Management

Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of R&D projects.
Manage project portfolios including scope, timelines, budgets, and resources.
Establish stage-gate milestones and ensure projects meet technical and commercial requirements.
Monitor risks and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.

8. Innovation & Product Development

Lead the design, development, and validation of new products or improvements to existing ones.
Supervise prototyping, trials, and optimization before commercialization.
Ensure R&D initiatives align with customer needs, market demand, and regulatory standards.

9. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with manufacturing, marketing, sales, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure smooth product transition from development to market.
Align R&D outputs with commercial requirements and compliance standards.
Present progress, risks, and investment needs to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.

10. Data Analysis & Technical Oversight

Direct experimental strategies and review technical data to guide decisions.
Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Leverage AI and advanced tools to accelerate data analysis and improve efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS – Research & Dev. Manager

1. Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Food Technology, or related scientific field.
Master’s degree or higher (e.g., MBA, MSc, PhD) is an advantage, especially for specialized industries.
Advanced training in Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, or Project Management is an advantage.

2. Professional Experience

Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in R&D, product development, or quality management.
Strong understanding of the FMCG industry and compliance.
Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
Experience in regulatory compliance, document control, and audits.
Background in process optimization and technology transfer from R&D to production.

3. Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (FDA, ISO, GMP, HACCP, etc.).
Expertise in product development lifecycle — from concept to commercialization.
Knowledge of quality assurance systems, document control protocols, and risk management.
Familiarity with process engineering, SOP development, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).

4. Leadership & Management Skills

Ability to lead, mentor, and develop R&D teams.
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with QA, Regulatory, Marketing, and Production.
Strategic thinking with the ability to align R&D initiatives with business goals.

5. Personal Attributes