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R&D Manager

Johor Permanent MYR15,000 - MYR17,000 per month (MYR180,000 - MYR204,000 per year) View Job Description
This role leads end‑to‑end new product development and optimisation across multiple food categories, from concept through to commercialisation. You will manage a sizeable technical team while partnering closely with Manufacturing, Sales, and Regulatory to deliver compliant, market‑ready innovations.
  • Lead regional NPD with real ownership from concept to launch
  • Shape strategy while managing a strong technical team

About Our Client

Our client is an established food manufacturer with a strong regional footprint and a growing innovation agenda. The business supplies both industrial and consumer customers and is investing heavily in R&D capability and talent.

Job Description

  • Lead end-to-end new product development from concept, trials, shelf-life validation to launch
  • Oversee R&D strategy to ensure alignment with market trends and customer needs
  • Drive product optimisation, renovation, and cost or quality improvement initiatives
  • Manage and develop a 12-person technical team, including Assistant Manager and Regulatory function
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and HQ teams
  • Oversee trial runs, troubleshoot production issues, and optimise manufacturing processes and control settings
  • Ensure compliance with local regulatory, food safety standards, and industry best practices
  • Transfer and localise formulations from HQ to manufacturing sites
  • Establish and continuously improve R&D SOPs, systems, and development processes
  • Manage R&D budget, analyse market data, and present project updates to senior management and stakeholders

The Successful Applicant

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, ideally at Manager or Assistant Manager level
  • Proven track record in the FMCG industry, with strong focus on product development and manufacturing processes
  • Hands-on exposure in UHT, beverages, dairy, oils & fats, chocolate & confectionery, or margarine
  • Strong understanding of food regulations, quality standards, and compliance requirements
  • Solid knowledge of food formulation, processing technologies, and scale-up operations
  • Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with a strong focus on innovation
  • Proven leadership, team management, and coaching capabilities
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills

What's on Offer

  • Attractive annual salary and benefits package
  • Opportunities to lead innovative projects within the food manufacturing industry
Contact
Daryl Lim
Quote job ref
JN-052026-7014927
Phone number
+603 2302 4065

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Specialisation
Engineering Design, R&D and NPI
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Johor
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Daryl Lim
Consultant contact
+603 2302 4065
Job Reference
JN-052026-7014927

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.