R&D Manager (Food Ingredients Sourcing)

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven individual to join our team as an R&D Manager (Food Ingredients Sourcing). In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing and securing high-quality raw materials, identifying reliable suppliers, and negotiating pricing. You will also ensure regulatory compliance while supporting product innovation.

You will play a key role in identifying and screening specialty raw ingredients from international markets, particularly from Southeast Asia, while assessing their market value, regulatory compliance, and potential applications. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with multiple departments, including R&D, Procurement, Quality Assurance, and Production, to integrate high-quality ingredients into our product pipeline.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, global environment, contributing to cutting-edge product development while playing a key role in our company’s international growth. Your expertise in supplier management and raw material development will help drive innovation, ensure a competitive edge in ingredient quality, and support supply chain reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Raw Material Research & Sourcing
   • Identify, screen and source high-quality raw ingredients that align with product development needs, particularly in Southeast Asia and other international markets.
   • Research and evaluate new or alternative ingredients (e.g., functional ingredients, natural additives, sustainable materials) to enhance product innovation.
   • Conduct sample testing and validation to ensure raw materials meet quality and performance standards.
2. Supplier Identification & Management
   • Develop and maintain strong relationships with reliable and high-quality raw ingredients suppliers.
   • Evaluate suppliers based on quality, consistency, regulatory compliance, and production capabilities.
   • Negotiate pricing and supply terms to secure the best value while ensuring product integrity.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
   • Ensure all sourced ingredients comply with domestic and international food safety regulations, including Singapore Food Agency (SFA) regulations, China GB standards, U.S. FDA, and EU food safety standards, etc.
   • Develop acceptance criteria and specifications for raw materials.
   • Address and resolve any quality-related issues with suppliers to maintain consistency in product standards.
   • Track and interpret food industry regulations in target markets to ensure ingredients meet import, sales, and application standards.
4. Cost Awareness & Market Trends
   • Track market trends in food ingredients (e.g., clean-label, organic, sugar reduction) to identify new sourcing opportunities.
   • Conduct market analysis and industry research to determine the potential applications of raw ingredients.
   • Monitor raw material cost fluctuations and explore cost-effective options without compromising quality.
   • Work with internal teams to ensure cost-efficient sourcing decisions align with business goals.
5. Cross-Department Collaboration
   • Work closely with R&D, Production, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure smooth integration of raw materials into product development and manufacturing.
   • Support procurement by providing supplier insights and technical details needed for follow-up orders.

Key Competency Requirements:

Strong Supplier Networking & Relationship Building – Must have an existing network of reliable and high-quality raw material suppliers and be able to establish strong, long-term relationships quickly.

Outgoing & Personable – Extroverted, friendly, and skilled at engaging with suppliers to build rapport and trust.

Technical Knowledge in Food Ingredients – Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, processing techniques, and quality control.

Procurement & Negotiation Skills – Ability to assess supplier capabilities, negotiate pricing, and secure favorable supply terms while maintaining quality.

Regulatory Knowledge – Familiarity with global food safety standards and compliance requirements, including SFA (Singapore), China GB, FDA (U.S.), and EU regulations.

Market Awareness & Cost Analysis – Ability to track ingredient trends, evaluate cost structures, and explore new sourcing opportunities without compromising quality.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Strong analytical skills to evaluate multiple sourcing options and make informed procurement decisions.

Cross-Department Coordination – Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Production teams.

Experience and Background Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of food ingredient properties, processing techniques, and industry regulations.
• At least 5 years of experience in food ingredient sourcing, procurement, or R&D.
• Proven track record in supplier management, with an existing network of reliable and high-quality raw material suppliers.
• Experience in supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and securing high-quality ingredients for production.
• Familiarity with food industry compliance standards and ability to ensure regulatory adherence in raw material sourcing.
• Strong relationship-building skills – Ability to quickly establish rapport and trust with suppliers.
• Proficient in English for technical communication with international suppliers; and proficiency in Chinese language to communicate with colleagues based in China Head Quarters.
• Ability to interpret technical reports (e.g., COA, MSDS) and assess ingredient performance.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including SFA (Singapore), China GB, FDA (U.S.), and EU standards, etc.
• International work experience and familiarity with Southeast Asian markets.
• Proficiency in Southeast Asian languages (e.g., Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay) is a plus for supplier communication and regulatory discussions.

Please send your resume to with the subject line: Application for R&D Manager (Food Ingredients Sourcing) – [Your Name].

We look forward to welcoming you to our team and working together to promote healthy living!