R&D Manager – Food, Seasoning & Snacks

R&D Manager – Food, Seasoning & Snacks

Location: Samut Sakhon

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading the development and innovation of food, seasoning, and snack products, ensuring alignment with consumer trends, regulatory requirements, and business objectives. This role oversees the end-to-end product development process—from concept to commercialization—while driving innovation, quality, and cost optimization. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Manufacturing) to deliver winning products to market.

Key Responsibilities

Product Innovation & Development

• Lead and manage new product development (NPD) projects, including seasonings, snacks, and related categories.
• Translate consumer insights and market trends into innovative product concepts.
• Develop and optimize recipes, formulations, and processes to achieve desired taste, texture, shelf-life, and cost targets.

Project & Process Management

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth scale-up from lab to pilot plant to full manufacturing.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in existing products for cost savings, nutritional improvements, or quality enhancement.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor an R&D team, providing technical expertise, guidance, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability within the R&D function.
• Build strong partnerships with external suppliers, research institutions, and co-manufacturers for technology and ingredient innovations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in R&D within the food, seasoning, or snack industry.
• Experience managing cross-functional product development projects from concept to launch.
• Strong people leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Creative, innovative, and consumer-focused mindset.

Argyll Scott Asia is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.