Senior R&D Manager (Food Ingredients)

Michael Page; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting a Senior R&D Manager for a well-established food solutions company.

You will lead enterprise-wide innovation, oversee end-to-end product development, and drive R&D strategies aligned with growth opportunities. Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Regulatory teams to ensure timely market readiness and compliance.

This role offers executive visibility, strong leadership scope, and a culture committed to technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, or related.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D within the food industry.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing R&D teams and product development projects.
• Experience in food solutions, ingredients, bakery, savory, dairy, or related sectors preferred.
• Proven track record in new product development, process improvement, and commercialization.
• Strong expertise in food quality systems, food safety, regulatory compliance, shelf-life studies, HACCP, risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with business acumen and innovation mindset.
• Excellent analytical, project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, innovation, renovation, and optimization of products, systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple R&D projects from ideation through commercialization, ensuring delivery within timelines.
• Establish and execute R&D strategies aligned with growth plans and market opportunities.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Purchasing, Planning, and Commercial teams to accelerate product innovation.
• Serve as the company's technical expert in food science, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Lead shelf-life studies, product validation activities, sensory evaluations, and performance testing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost, and product superiority.
• Ensure proper project documentation, technical reporting, and adherence to procedures.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capability development to the R&D team.
• Collaborate with external technical centers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to support innovation and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical skills

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Food science expertise

Mentorship

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, or related

Job description

• Lead enterprise-wide innovation and product development
• Drive strategic R&D initiatives with direct exposure to senior leadership.

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established organization in the food solutions industry, recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric product development. The company continues to invest in research and development to strengthen its market position and deliver high-quality products that meet evolving consumer and industry needs

Job Description

Reporting to senior leadership, the Senior Research & Development Manager will be responsible for driving the company's innovation agenda and overseeing the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

• Lead the development, innovation, renovation, and optimization of products, systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple R&D projects from ideation through commercialization, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines and business objectives.
• Establish and execute R&D strategies aligned with company growth plans and market opportunities.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Purchasing, Planning, and Commercial teams to accelerate product innovation and market readiness.
• Serve as the company's technical expert in food science, quality systems, product safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Lead shelf-life studies, product validation activities, sensory evaluations, and performance testing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost optimization, and product superiority.
• Ensure proper project documentation, technical reporting, and adherence to internal procedures and industry regulations.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capability development to the R&D team.
• Collaborate with external technical centers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to support innovation and compliance initiatives.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Senior R&D Manager should have:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Research & Development within the food industry.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing R&D teams and product development projects.
• Experience within the food solutions, ingredients, bakery, savory, dairy, or related sectors is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in new product development, process improvement, and commercialization.
• Strong expertise in food quality systems, food safety, regulatory compliance, shelf-life studies, HACCP, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and innovation mindset.
• Excellent analytical, project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and external partners.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead innovation and product development for a respected player in the food solutions industry.
• Strategic leadership role with significant visibility and influence across the organization.
• Collaborative and innovation-driven culture that values continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Exposure to regional and global best practices in food innovation and product development.
• Competitive executive compensation package, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits.