Title:  Product Development Manager

Job Summary:

The Product Development Head will oversee all aspects of the company’s new product development process, including the application of innovative technologies, production methods, materials, and ingredients to create products aligned with the business strategy. This role is responsible for generating and developing new product concepts, transforming them into viable product introductions.

The Head will strategically plan, align, and coordinate the product development team’s projects and objectives, setting priorities that are consistent with company goals while focusing on high-impact opportunities.

Additionally, the Product Development Head will monitor the business performance of various product categories, ensuring that objectives related to product quality and cost competitiveness are consistently met.

This role also involves evaluating and securing the necessary resources to support the application and implementation of cutting-edge product processes, formulas, and packaging technologies.

The manager will gather key insights on issues critical to achieving the company’s long-term goals and vision, offering recommendations, formulating strategies, and committing to action plans that drive progress toward these objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maps out and implements plan for the continuous development and launch of new products, process and packaging
• Maps out and implements plan for continuous improvement, maintenance and / or cost reduction of current product line in terms of cost, quality and over-all profitability and coordinates such activities with the Product Development Specialists and other operating units in the timely implementation of recommendations.
• Obtains information and identifies key issues relevant to achieving long range goals / company programs and translates these to actionable plans
• Identify new materials and/or process for new and/or existing product applications through active interfacing with suppliers and other technical partners. Spearheads expansion of ingredient, meat materials, and packaging choice / base in the light of current supply and demand structure without compromising product quality.
• Monitor product performance, competitor’s activities and new market trends through regular trade visits and acts on identified needs, concerns or issues
• Comply with safety and government regulatory requirements by regular review and update of product formula, packaging, process and label declaration.
• Recommends and implements new programs, tools or methods to support and improve PD work operations and systems
• Prepares the department’s budget and sees through the adequate allocation and disbursements of fund for projects, capital expenditures, and other operating expenses.
• Schedules and plans self enrichment programs with HRD, suppliers, and other consulting agencies in the technical and personal development of the staff.
• Plans and supports the development of people’s skills and abilities to better fill current or future job / roles/ responsibilities.
• Appraise subordinates’ performance and actively manage subordinates’ development /mentoring process on an ongoing basis

Qualifications:

• A graduate with a degree in BS Chemistry, BS Chemical Engineering, BS Food Technology, BS Nutrition, or other related technical fields.
• With 20 years of experience in Food Research & Development from a reputable FMCG Food companies, including at least 10 years in a leadership role managing a team.
• Candidates with Masters Degree in Food Technology or other related fields is an advantage.
• Demonstrates a strong passion for food business development, with the ability to translate consumer needs into innovative food concepts and create novel product ideas.
• Possesses excellent critical thinking skills in project planning, root cause analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making.
• Articulate and effective in both written and verbal communication, conveying confidence in expressing ideas.
• Exhibits a high level of responsibility and adherence to company policies and regulations.
• A collaborative team player, consistently supporting the needs of individual units.
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, inspiring confidence and influence within the department, across other units, and with superiors.
• Dedicated to enhancing personal development and transforming team members into highly skilled professionals.
• Maintains positive relationships with colleagues at all levels, with a strong ability to recognize and address both personal and work-related needs of subordinates.