• Lead all development and optimization initiatives for innovative and renovative projects.
• Responsible for new product development for convenience foods: primarily bakery and biscuits products but can also be extended to snacks, instant noodles, beverages, etc.
• Proactively design and establish new processes, new products and process controls.
• Support the sourcing of new ingredients from reliable suppliers, compare the quality and cost advantage with procurement colleague.
• Set product specification and quality standard for the manufacture of new products.
• Work with the operation team (production, engineering, quality assurance) on new process control and process improvement.
• Responsible on the product compliance with country regulation, brand values and consumer expectation.
• Lead NPD processes from concept to commercialization including formulation development, shelf life study, label development, Halal, FSSC 22000 management, etc.
• Strong stakeholder management where able to manage cross-functional teams such as sales & marketing, manufacturing team, and external parties.
• Support on shipping related issues ie technical aspects of the products.
• Lead the trial run processes, trouble-shooting and improvements in control settings.
• Strong consumer insight, able to lead consumer acceptance surveys / studies.
• Ensure product launching according to timeline and product brief.
• Present innovation and technology NPD to customer to support business development.
• Establish and execute development plans, build a superior team by retaining and growing talent. Identify learning opportunities and proactive coaching.
• Develop and train the technical know-how on formulation and processes.
• To perform ad hoc tasks assigned by superior from time to time.

Requirements:

• Prefer candidates based in JB or Melaka; willing to travel to JB frequently for those based in other locations.
• Tertiary qualification in food science / food technology or related field.
• 8 years experience in food industry preferably in product development / R&D for bakery and biscuits products.
• Strong technical understanding of food processing especially snacks and biscuits application.
• Comprehensive project management skill.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Good leadership, customer focus and commercial acumen.
• Strong R&D experience with good project management skills, stakeholder management and initiatives.