R&D MANAGER

JUEWEI FOOD (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company in Singapore is searching for an R&D Manager to develop and implement strategies for product innovations in braised food and ready-to-eat snacks. The ideal candidate will lead a team, manage product development cycles, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. Experience in the food industry and strong project management skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in R&D within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and compliance.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement R&D strategies for new food products.
• Lead product development projects from inception to scale.
• Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations.

Skills

Food innovation

Project management

Consumer analysis

Collaborative skills

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

1. R&D Strategy & Product Planning

• Develop and implement annual and long-term R&D strategies focusing on braised food, ready-to-eat snacks, and healthy product innovations.
• Analyze consumer preferences and market trends in Singapore and Asia to guide product innovation.
• Manage R&D budgets, resources, and project roadmaps.

2. Product & Process Development

• Lead new recipe, product (e.g., braised snacks, ready-to-eat packs, low-sugar/low-fat options), and process development projects.
• Oversee the full product development cycle: recipe formulation, lab trials, sensory evaluation, and pilot production.
• Continuously optimize existing products to improve taste, consistency, shelf life, and cost efficiency.

3. Team & Project Management

• Lead and mentor the R&D team, including food technologists, lab assistants, and quality specialists.
• Assign tasks, set milestones, and ensure timely delivery of R&D projects within budget.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

4. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure R&D activities comply with Singapore Food Agency (SFA) regulations, Nutri-Grade labelling requirements, and company standards.
• Collaborate with QA/QC teams to conduct microbiological, safety, and sensory testing.
• Oversee proper lab practices, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with production to ensure scalability and feasibility of new recipes.
• Partner with marketing and sales teams to align new product launches with market positioning.
• Collaborate with suppliers (ingredients, spices, packaging) to source innovative and cost-effective solutions.

6. Documentation & Intellectual Property

• Maintain accurate R&D records, recipe manuals, SOPs, and test reports.
• Protect intellectual property through patents, trademarks, or trade secret management where applicable.

7. Reporting & Business Insights

• Provide regular updates on R&D progress, project results, and product performance to senior management.
• Recommend strategies for new product lines, healthier food options, and packaging innovations.
• Monitor competitor products and emerging food technologies to keep Juewei ahead in the market.