RD MANAGER MALESIA

Unigrà is an Italian agro-food group founded in 1972. Through its various brands, the company offers high-end raw materials, semi-processed and finished products across all channels, the main categories being Chocolate and Chocolate Compounds, UHT Vegetable Creams and Margarine.
The R&D Manager, reporting to Chief Operating Officer Malaysia, dotted to R&D Corporate Director, is responsible for leading the Research & Development function of the Malaysia plant, overseeing product development and industrialization activities across the following categories:
Chocolate and compound
Margarine and fats
UHT plant-based beverages, creams, creamers and ice cream
The role leads a team of 12 people, including R&D Team and the Regulatory team.
The R&D Manager ensures effective prioritization and execution of an increasingly complex and high-volume project portfolio, safeguarding team capacity while delivering business objectives.
The position acts as the main technical and organizational reference for the plant, ensuring alignment with Global R&D strategy, harmonization of procedures with HQ, and implementation of structured governance, KPI monitoring and reporting systems.
The role requires strong technical credibility, senior leadership capabilities, and resilience in high-pressure and fast-growing environments
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the full R&D and Regulatory function of the Malaysia plant across chocolate, margarine and UHT products, ensuring alignment with business and strategic objectives
Drive effective project prioritization and resource allocation in a high-growth, high-demand environment, balancing commercial expectations with technical feasibility and team capacity
Oversee product development, renewal, and industrialization projects from conception to market launch, ensuring structured, rapid, and high-quality execution.
Implement and continuously improve project governance, methodologies (e.g. stage-gate), KPI tracking and reporting systems to ensure transparency, performance and scalability
Ensure full compliance with local and international food regulations across 100+ export markets, integrating regulatory requirements (including halal and kosher) into development processes
Act as the key technical interface with cross-functional stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Production, Supply Chain, Procurement) and ensure strong alignment with HQ and international plants
Lead, coach and develop the R&D and Regulatory team, strengthening engagement, accountability, technical excellence and long-term capability
Define objectives, monitor performance, support career development and ensure effective succession planning and talent retention
Ensure sustainable team performance through workload balancing, manpower planning and budget management
Drive standardization of processes, documentation and product development practices
Contribute to cost optimization, raw material rationalization and value engineering initiatives
Support the definition and execution of the long-term innovation roadmap and technology development
Prepare and present structured performance updates and insights to the Global R&D Director
Act as an active member of the plant leadership team, fostering a collaborative, resilient and performance-driven culture
Qualifications & Experience (Must have)
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related discipline
Minimum 10+ years of experience in Food R&D within industrial manufacturing environments
Proven experience in at least one of the following categories:
UHT beverages or emulsified systems (preferred option)
Margarine and fats
Chocolate and compound
Minimum 5 years of experience in team management
Strong technical background with the ability to review formulations, processes and scale-up challenges
Demonstrated experience managing high project volume and complex portfolios
Experience working in multinational and multi-site environments
Good knowledge of Regulations for international export markets
Proven experience in project management methodologies
Nice to have
SAP knowledge
Experience in process optimization and industrial efficiency projects
Experience in Southeast Asian markets
Experience managing Halal and Kosher certified production environments
Language
Knowledge Fluent in oral and written English
PC Knowledge
Proficiency in Microsoft Office ( Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong leadership and people development capabilities
High resilience and ability to perform under pressure
Strategic thinking combined with operational execution
Excellent prioritization and decision-making skills
Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional influence
Structured and data-driven approach
Technical credibility and hands-on mindset
Strong c