Manager, R&D Beverage

About the role

Santan Food Services Sdn. Bhd. is looking for a Manager, R&D Beverage based in Kuala Lumpur. The role leads end-to-end beverage product development and commercialization, from concept and formulation through launch and post-launch review, working with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, QA, Marketing and Commercial teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead product development from ideation, formulation, testing, commercialization and post-launch review, creating hot, cold, ready-to-drink and functional beverage offerings.
• Run sensory evaluations, benchmarking and product optimization.
• Work with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement and QA to ensure scalable, cost-efficient products and launch readiness, including SOPs, training materials and documentation.
• Ensure formulations meet shelf-life, food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with ingredient suppliers and manufacturers on sourcing, trials and innovation, and partner with Marketing and Commercial on promotions and campaigns.
• Monitor industry trends, competitors and consumer behaviour, and use customer feedback to improve products.
• Manage project timelines, milestones and budgets, and support costing and margin optimization.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in beverage R&D, product development or innovation in F&B, FMCG or retail.
• Experience in coffee, tea, RTD or functional beverages is an added advantage.
• Proven track record managing end-to-end product development and commercialization projects.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of beverage formulation, ingredients, processing and food safety standards.
• Project management and stakeholder management.
• Analytical, problem-solving and commercial mindset, with excellent communication and presentation skills.