RD Manager Malaysia

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 compoundMargarine and fatsUHT plant-based beverages, creams, creamers and ice creamThe 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 environmentsKey responsibilitiesLead 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 objectivesDrive effective project prioritization and resource allocation in a high-growth, high-demand environment, balancing commercial expectations with technical feasibility and team capacityOversee 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 scalabilityEnsure full compliance with local and international food regulations across 100+ export markets, integrating regulatory requirements (including halal and kosher) into development processesAct as the key technical interface with cross-functional stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Production, Supply Chain, Procurement) and ensure strong alignment with HQ and international plantsLead, coach and develop the R&D and Regulatory team, strengthening engagement, accountability, technical excellence and long-term capabilityDefine objectives, monitor performance, support career development and ensure effective succession planning and talent retentionEnsure sustainable team performance through workload balancing, manpower planning and budget managementDrive standardization of processes, documentation and product development practicesContribute to cost optimization, raw material rationalization and value engineering initiativesSupport the definition and execution of the long-term innovation roadmap and technology developmentPrepare and present structured performance updates and insights to the Global R&D DirectorAct as an active member of the plant leadership team, fostering a collaborative, resilient and performance-driven cultureQualifications & Experience (Must have)Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related disciplineMinimum 10+ years of experience in Food R&D within industrial manufacturing environmentsProven experience in at least one of the following categories:UHT beverages or emulsified systems (preferred option)Margarine and fatsChocolate and compoundMinimum 5 years of experience in team managementStrong technical background with the ability to review formulations, processes and scale-up challengesDemonstrated experience managing high project volume and complex portfoliosExperience working in multinational and multi-site environmentsGood knowledge of Regulations for international export marketsProven experience in project management methodologiesNice to haveSAP knowledgeExperience in process optimization and industrial efficiency projectsExperience in Southeast Asian marketsExperience managing Halal and Kosher certified production environmentsLanguageKnowledge Fluent in oral and written EnglishPC Knowledge Proficiency in Microsoft Office ( Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Strong leadership and people development capabilitiesHigh resilience and ability to perform under pressureStrategic thinking combined with operational executionExcellent prioritization and decision-making skillsStrong stakeholder management and cross-functional influenceStructured and data-driven approachTechnical credibility and hands-on mindsetStrong communication and presentation skillsHigh level of accountability and ownershipLocationPasir Gudang, Johor Bahru, Malaysia