Head of R&D

Korn Ferry; Singapore; On-site; SGD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG group is seeking a Head of Research & Development in Singapore. This senior role involves strategic innovation and technical leadership for a diverse product range. Candidates must possess over 12 years of R&D experience, with a strong background in product development in the FMCG sector. The position offers high visibility within the company and the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team. Interested candidates should apply by 15 December 2025.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years’ R&D experience in FMCG, with 5–8 years in leadership.
• Proven track record launching consumer-facing products.
• Deep expertise in formulation, process development, and manufacturing scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage a multi-year innovation roadmap.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.
• Ensure all products meet quality standards and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Product development

Innovation

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science or related discipline

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Head of Research & Development

We are exclusively retained on a confidential basis by a leading FMCG group to appoint an accomplished R&D leader to the role of Head of Research & Development.

Based in Singapore, this position will provide both strategic direction and hands‑on technical leadership across a diverse and fast‑growing product portfolio. The successful candidate will drive innovation, technical development, and commercialization, partnering closely with senior management, cross‑functional teams, and external collaborators to deliver consumer‑centric solutions and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and manage a multi-year innovation roadmap across core, adjacent, and transformational product categories, translating consumer insights and market trends into differentiated product propositions and technology platforms.
• Lead end‑to‑end product development from concept through lab bench, pilot trials, scale‑up, and commercial launch, ensuring seamless transition from R&D to manufacturing and optimizing cost, margin, and speed‑to‑market.
• Partner with Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver new products that meet sensory, regulatory, and commercial targets, while maintaining accountability for key performance indicators such as revenue contribution, cost reduction, and launch cycle time.
• Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and comply with relevant regional regulations and certifications (e.g., Halal, HACCP, GMP, ISO), and champion sustainability and clean‑label initiatives across formulation and packaging.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing multidisciplinary R&D team, fostering capability development and a culture of innovation.
• Establish and manage strategic external partnerships with ingredient suppliers, flavor houses, research institutes, and co‑manufacturers to accelerate innovation and maintain competitive advantage.
• Adapt formulation, process, and packaging strategies to suit regional markets (SEA, ASEAN) and global scale‑up, ensuring alignment with global innovation strategy and local relevance.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Chemistry, or related discipline; PhD is a strong plus.
• At least 12–15 years’ R&D experience in FMCG (beverage, or dairy), with a minimum of 5–8 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record launching consumer‑facing products in beverages, dairy (yogurt and milk) categories across multiple geographies.
• Deep expertise in formulation, process development, and manufacturing scale‑up, including co‑manufacturing/co‑packing.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in P&L management, cost optimization, and margin improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage external partnerships.
• Solid knowledge of regulatory standards (Halal, HACCP, ISO), sustainability trends, and local market nuances in Southeast Asia.
• Strategic thinker, innovation champion, collaborative leader, and results‑oriented influencer of senior stakeholders.

This is a senior leadership opportunity offering high business visibility and impact within a dynamic FMCG enterprise.

Interested candidates must demonstrate both strategic vision and operational excellence in equal measure.

Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

All applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials by 15 December 2025.

Eligible candidates whose profiles meet the requirements will be contacted by the end of December 2025. We extend our sincere appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this opportunity.