Position: R&D Manager (Fresh Food, Waste Management)
Salary: 100,000 – 150,000THB +/- (Negotiable)
Location: Bangkok
Our client is big brand manufacturing fresh food (Fruit and Vegetable). Selling as B2B and B2C
Key Responsibilities of the position:
Research & Development (R&D) and Fresh Food Innovation
New Product Development (NPD): Lead and execute the full NPD cycle for fresh food products (e.g., fresh-cut produce, ready-to-eat meals, perishable goods), ensuring innovation aligns with market trends, consumer demands, and cost targets.
Formulation & Process Optimization: Conduct R&D trials, scale-up activities, and process validations for new formulations and ingredients, ensuring seamless technology transfer to manufacturing.
Food Waste Management & Sustainability Initiatives
Waste Valorisation R&D: Initiate and lead research projects to upcycle or create value-added products from food by-products or manufacturing waste (e.g., converting trim, peels, or off-spec materials into functional ingredients, animal feed, or sustainable components).
Waste Reduction Strategy: Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain to identify critical loss points within the production process and develop innovative R&D solutions/formulations to minimize food waste generation at the source.
Sustainability Metrics: Establish R&D KPIs related to waste reduction and recycling/upcycling rates, reporting progress to senior management.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Food Safety Oversight
Food Safety by Design: Act as the primary R&D resource for all Food Safety concerns, integrating safety, quality, and regulatory compliance into the product design phase.
System Compliance: Ensure all R&D facilities and pilot processes adhere to international quality standards, including GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, and other relevant certifications (e.g., BRC, SQF).
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum 7+ years of progressive R&D experience in the Food Industry, with significant experience in Fresh Food/Perishable Goods.
Expertise: Proven experience with Food Waste Management, Upcycling/Valorisation, and a strong working knowledge of QA systems (HACCP, GMP, Food Safety Management).
Skills: Strong leadership, excellent project management abilities, and advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
Communication skills in English.