Research And Development Manager

Our Client

A growing food manufacturing business in the region is strengthening its product development capability across dry food ingredients and ambient food categories. The focus is straightforward. Build better products, improve existing ones and bring structure to how innovation moves from concept to shelf.

Your Role

You will lead the R&D function across product development and continuous improvement. This role sits close to production, marketing and procurement and requires someone who understands how food products are actually developed, tested and scaled.

You will drive new product development from concept through launch and monitor performance after products reach the market. Alongside this, you will lead improvements to existing products by refining formulation, quality and cost structure.

The role also requires maintaining strong technical documentation including product specifications, recipes and material standards across raw materials, packaging and finished goods. You will work closely with production teams to support lean initiatives and ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards across the region.

Market observation is also key. You will track competitor products and emerging trends in dry food and ambient categories and feed these insights into the product pipeline.

Must Have

Experience in dry food ingredients, plant based food products, seasoning blends or ambient food categories

Strong exposure to new product development and product improvement within food manufacturing

Understanding of food safety regulations, quality standards and product documentation

Experience working closely with manufacturing, procurement and commercial teams

Ability to analyze market trends and competitor products and translate insights into development opportunities

Hands on leadership style with the ability to manage R&D operations and continuous improvement initiatives

Next Steps

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 57 working days for a detailed discussion about the role. Due to high application volumes, we will only respond to shortlisted profiles.