Manager, Research & Development (Indian Groceries & FMCG Import)

JAGAN IMPEX PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery importer in Singapore is seeking a Manager of Research & Development to identify and improve grocery items from India. The role involves evaluating market trends, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring product quality meets local standards. Fluency in Malayalam, Hindi, and English is required for effective communication with suppliers. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree and experience in procurement or supplier management, alongside strong negotiation and communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the company's private label products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and above.
• Strong understanding of Indian FMCG and grocery categories.
• Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management.
• Knowledge of product packaging, branding, and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Identify new grocery products from India and private label items.
• Evaluate market trends and coordinate with Indian manufacturers.
• Test product samples and ensure quality standards meet requirements.

Skills

Fluency in Malayalam

Fluency in Hindi

Fluency in English

Good negotiation skills

Good communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree and above

Job description

The Manager of Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for identifying new grocery, snack, sweet, chips, and vegetable products from India, improving product quality, researching new suppliers, and developing our own-brand (private label) items for the Singapore market.
This includes evaluating market trends, coordinating with Indian manufacturers, testing product samples, and ensuring that packaging, labeling, and product standards meet Singapore requirements.

Because most suppliers and packaging units in South India and other Indian regions communicate in Malayalam and Hindi, the role requires fluency in these languages, along with English.

Key Responsibilities

• The Manager of Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for identifying new grocery, snack, sweet, chips, and vegetable products from India, improving product quality, researching new suppliers, and developing our own-brand (private label) items for the Singapore market.
  This includes evaluating market trends, coordinating with Indian manufacturers, testing product samples, and ensuring that packaging, labeling, and product standards meet Singapore requirements.
• Because most suppliers and packaging units in South India and other Indian regions communicate in Malayalam and Hindi, the role requires fluency in these languages, along with English.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and above
• Strong understanding of Indian FMCG and grocery categories.
• Fluency in Malayalam, Hindi, and English (required for supplier communication and document translation).
• Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management.
• Knowledge of product packaging, branding, and quality control.
• Good negotiation and communication skills.

This Role Justifies Language Requirements

• Most suppliers and packaging units in South India use Malayalam for communication.
• Many wholesalers and manufacturers in other Indian regions use Hindi.
• Product specifications, packaging instructions, and quality documents are often in regional languages.
• The company’s private-label manufacturing and packing in India requires daily communication in Malayalam and Hindi.
• Translation into English is required for Singapore documentation.