Research & Development R&D Manager

Location

This role requires the candidate to work in Bekasi, Indonesia or Surabaya, Indonesia.

The client is a rapidly growing fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) company specializing in frozen and chilled food products, with a strong presence in the dairy and dessert segments and expanding visibility across Southeast Asia. Its multiple production facilities across Indonesia ensure consistent product quality and scale, supported by a robust cold chain infrastructure, while its portfolio of fast‑selling items such as ice cream, yogurt, and other perishable goods has earned trust among distributors and retailers.

Backed by international collaboration, the company continues to expand across channels and regions to meet growing demand. Its strategy emphasizes brand relevance, supply chain excellence, and continuous talent development, positioning it as a leading organization in the highly competitive FMCG sector.

The mid to senior‑level R&D Manager is a strategic technical leadership role responsible for the end‑to‑end product development lifecycle. You will lead the formulation, trial, and optimization of new and existing dairy and ice cream products, ensuring they meet high standards for taste, cost‑efficiency, and shelf‑life stability.

This role requires a candidate from “Top FMCG” environments who understands the rigor of international quality standards and the agility required for fast‑paced consumer trends. You will bridge the gap between creative culinary concepts and industrial‑scale manufacturing, collaborating closely with international stakeholders to align product roadmaps with global business objectives.

• Product Innovation:
  Lead the development of new formulations for ice cream and dairy products, focusing on sensory excellence and market differentiation.
• Process Optimization:
  Oversee pilot plant trials and scale‑up processes to ensure consistent quality from the laboratory to mass production.
• Ingredient & Supplier Management:
  Identify and validate high‑quality raw materials, working with procurement to optimize costs without compromising product integrity.
• Quality & Compliance:
  Ensure all formulations comply with BPOM, Halal, and international food safety standards (HACCP/ISO).
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Marketing for consumer insights and Production for factory‑floor implementation.
• Technical Reporting:
  Maintain meticulous documentation of formulations, nutritional values, and stability test results for management review.

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or above in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in R&D or Product Development within the food industry, particularly perishable goods and/or dairy category.
• Experience from top‑tier companies in the food sector.
• High proficiency in food chemistry, dairy processing, and sensory analysis.
• Deep understanding of cold‑chain stability and stabilizer/emulsifier systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and executive presentation tools.
• Fluent in English for professional technical presentations and coordination with international stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset, high attention to detail, and a passion for food innovation.

Job Code: #652