Lead Research & Development R&D and New Product Development NPD

• Develop and implement the R&D and new product development strategy aligned with business goals and consumer insights.
• Lead product development through all stages including formulation, trials, scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch review.
• Set product specifications, process parameters, and quality standards, ensuring compliance with KEBS, GMP, ISO, FSSC, and food safety requirements.
• Manage the product development portfolio, including stage-gate reviews, risk management, resources, budgets, and cross-functional coordination.
• Drive value engineering, formulation optimization, packaging improvements, and process enhancements without compromising quality or safety.
• Protect confidential technical information and ensure effective change control, traceability, and audit readiness.
• Lead and develop the technical team and coordinate with multiple departments including Marketing, QA, Production, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Packaging Technology or a similar field is required.
• A master's degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Professional development in areas such as product development, project management, design thinking, sensory science, statistical analysis, innovation management, ISO standards, FSSC, or food safety is advantageous.
• 8 to 10 years of experience in R&D, product development, innovation, quality, or technical operations within FMCG or manufacturing sectors.
• At least 3 to 5 years of leadership experience in these areas.
• Proven skills in innovation strategy, portfolio governance, stage-gate management, product formulation, process scale-up, validation, commercialization, sensory evaluation, stability studies, technical documentation, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Strong leadership qualities including strategic thinking, commercial judgement, consumer focus, problem-solving, executive influence, collaboration, communication, talent development, accountability, integrity, and discipline.

The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience and company policies. Specific terms will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.

Apply through the employer's official contact by submitting your application before the closing date. The employer has not published a closing date.