Head of Food Technology (Research Development)

GEMINI PERSONNEL PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Singapore is seeking a Chief R&D Officer to architect their innovation strategy. The role demands extensive experience in FMCG R&D, emphasizing collaboration and compliance with food safety regulations. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and have a proven track record in driving product commercialization and strategy. This position requires relocation to China, presenting a unique opportunity to build a scientific foundation within an esteemed organization.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of R&D experience within FMCG manufacturing, preferably food & beverage.
• Proven leadership experience managing central or multi-category R&D functions.
• Strong scale-up experience from lab to factory.

Responsibilities

• Lead the innovation engine and R&D strategy for the Group.
• Drive lifecycle from initial concept to full-scale manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with global food safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership in R&D

Cross-functional collaboration

Innovation Strategy

Food Science knowledge

Regulatory compliance experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Chief R&D Officer (CRDO) - Role to relocate to China - Hainan

The Vision
You will be the primary architect of our Group’s innovation engine. Your mandate is to transform and centralize our FMCG research and development capabilities, creating a high-performance ecosystem that balances scientific rigor with market agility.

Leading the charge in developing world‑class formulations and process innovations that ensure our brands remain the first choice for consumers while maintaining a competitive edge in cost, quality, and sustainability.

Why Join Our Client?

This is a "legacy-building" role. You are not just managing a department; you are building the scientific foundation for a global FMCG leader. You will have the resources of a major group with the mandate to disrupt and innovate.

Strategic Pillars of Responsibility

1. Visionary R&D Strategy & Portfolio Growth

Innovation Roadmap: Architect and execute a multi‑year R&D strategy that aligns with Group growth targets and category expansion.

Platform Development: Build "Center of Excellence" (CoE) platforms for core science (e.g., taste chemistry, texture, nutrition) that can be leveraged across all Business Units (BUs).

Future‑Proofing: Identify "Blue Ocean" opportunities in adjacent spaces such as functional beverages, premiumization, and sustainable packaging.

2. The Hybrid Operating Model (Governance)

Structure: Establish and lead a hybrid model:

Central R&D: Focused on core science, shared technology, and long‑term pipelines.

BU‑Embedded Teams: Focused on local adaptation, rapid execution, and line extensions.

Efficiency: Implement a robust Stage‑Gate framework to prioritise high‑value projects, prevent duplication, and accelerate "Idea‑to‑Shelf" timelines.

3. Product Excellence & Commercialization

End‑to‑End Oversight: Drive the lifecycle from initial molecule/concept through pilot scale‑up to full‑scale manufacturing.

Cross‑Functional Synergy: Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain to ensure every innovation is commercially viable, manufacturable, and margin‑accretive.

Technical Transfer: Ensure seamless hand‑offs between R&D labs and factory floors, minimising "speed‑to‑market" friction.

4. Quality, Regulatory & Compliance

Standards Leadership: Ensure 100% compliance with global and local food safety regulations.

Reformulation: Lead proactive "clean label" and nutritional optimisation initiatives to stay ahead of changing consumer health trends and regulatory shifts.

5. Capability Building & Cultural Leadership

Talent Engine: Recruit and mentor a world‑class team of food technologists, chemists, and engineers; foster a culture of "commercial pragmatism" where science serves the consumer.

Infrastructure: Modernise R&D labs, pilot plants, and sensory evaluation facilities to reflect a "state‑of‑the‑art" innovation environment.

External Ecosystem: Build strategic alliances with ingredient suppliers, universities, and tech vendors to bring "outside‑in" innovation to the Group.

Required Qualifications & Experience

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

15+ years of R&D experience within FMCG manufacturing (food & beverage preferred)

Proven leadership experience managing central or multi‑category R&D functions

Strong exposure to: Coffee, tea, instant foods, confectionery, or similar categories

Scale‑up from lab to factory

Regulatory and quality environments

Experience working closely with Manufacturing, QA, Marketing, and Commercial teams