The Research and Development (R&D) Manager role is responsible for managing new product development projects from initial planning through to mass production. Based in Rojana, Ayutthaya, the position oversees quality, cost, delivery, schedules, resources, technical risks, and cross-functional coordination to translate development activities into successful business results.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage product development and engineering projects in line with project schedules and milestone requirements
Control development schedules, gate reviews, engineering progress, and resource allocation
Coordinate with Sales, Marketing, Quality Assurance (QA), Manufacturing, Purchasing, Planning, and overseas teams
Manage the quality, cost, and delivery performance of development projects
Oversee Engineering Change Notice (ECN) and Engineering Change Request (ECR) processes, as well as development documentation control
Support target costing, cost planning, return on investment evaluation, and project feasibility assessments
Identify and manage technical and scheduling risks, including the escalation of critical issues
Drive Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), design reviews, problem-solving activities, and corrective actions
Plan and monitor prototyping, validation, testing, and production-readiness activities
Support the transition from product development to mass production and production ramp-up
Prepare project status reports, issue lists, recovery plans, and management presentations
Manage the development project portfolio and prioritise projects according to business requirements
Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related field
8–12 years of experience in R&D, product development, project management, or development management
Previous managerial or supervisory experience leading teams and driving development projects
Experience in an automotive original equipment manufacturer, Tier 1 supplier, or Tier 2 supplier is highly preferred
Strong understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, design reviews, Engineering Change Notice and Engineering Change Request processes, Production Part Approval Process, change management, or related development systems
Strong English communication skills for meetings, coordination, and reporting
Strong project management, analytical, and decision-making capabilities
Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
Experience with automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, compressors, condensers, or related automotive components will be an advantage
Strong leadership and ownership, with the ability to manage project execution systematically
Ability to manage development plans, project details, and risks effectively
Ability to drive projects to completion from both technical and business perspectives
Strong problem-solving skills and a sense of urgency
Good stakeholder management and cross-functional communication skills
Experience in new-model launches, localisation projects, or mass-production ramp-up is preferred
Experience reporting to senior management or Japanese-speaking management will be an advantage
Benefits
Medical reimbursement
Life insurance
Health insurance
Shuttle bus
Uniform
Living allowance
Diligence allowance
Provident fund
Financial support for marriage, childbirth, and funerals
Long-service award
Performance award
Loan support
About the company
A company in the automotive manufacturing industry specialising in the manufacture and sale of automotive air-conditioning systems for domestic and international markets. Its operations follow established automotive quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety management standards.