Head of Research And Development

1. Role Overview 

The Head of R&D leads all product innovation, formulation, and technical development for the company's coconut-based beverage portfolio. This role is critical in positioning the company as a global OEM partner for major retailers, ensuring all products meet clean-label requirements, strict allergen control, and international regulatory standards while remaining commercially competitive.

2. Key Responsibilities 

A. Product Development & OEM

* Lead development of coconut-based beverages (coconut water, milk, cream, functional drinks)

* Customize formulations for OEM/private label customers (Costco, Lidl, Aldi, Amazon)

* Drive clean-label formulation (minimal additives, stabilizer optimization)

* Improve taste, texture, shelf life, and cost efficiency

B. Aseptic & Tetra Pak

* Ensure formulations are compatible with aseptic/Tetra Pak systems

* Optimize UHT stability, emulsions, and shelf life

* Support smooth scale-up from lab to mass production

* Troubleshoot issues (separation, sedimentation, fouling)

C. Allergen Control & Food Safety

* Lead allergen risk management (critical for dairy cross-contamination)

* Ensure compliance with BRCGS, FSSC 22000, FDA, EFSA, FSANZ

* Validate CIP effectiveness and segregation controls

* Lead root cause investigations for incidents

D. Clean Label & Regulatory 

* Ensure all products meet retailer clean-label expectations

* Approve ingredients, specifications, and labeling

* Support audits and technical documentation

* Ensure vegan / plant-based compliance

E. Supplier & Raw Material 

* Validate new suppliers and ingredients

* Review COAs critically vs real performance

* Work with procurement on consistency and quality

* Initiate third-party testing when needed

* Quality declaration and assurance in accordance with food safety and hygiene standards.

F. Commercial Support 

* Support Sales in customer meetings and presentations

* Develop prototypes under tight timelines

* Handle technical complaints and reports

* Collaborate with Production Management and Quality Management to establish a consistent solution for stable product quality

* Research and develop market development strategies for each of the company's products

G. Leadership & Strategy 

* Capable of training and developing the R&D team

* Build and lead R&D team

* Define innovation roadmap

* Manage R&D pipeline and budget

* Drive performance and accountability

3. Key KPIs 

* Time-to-market

* OEM success rate

* First-time-right production

* Cost optimization

* Audit success rate

* Complaint reduction

4. Qualifications 

* Field of study: Related to food technology.

* Education level: College/University.

* Computer skills: Proficient in office software.

* English: Able to communicate and work fluently in English, due to frequent work with foreign partners and handling international issues.

* Degree in Food Science or related field

* 5+ years in beverage / plant-based R&D

* Strong experience in UHT, aseptic, Tetra Pak

* Experience with global retailers preferred

5. Strategic Importance 

This role is key to positioning the company as a world-class coconut beverage OEM manufacturer, meeting the strict standards of global retailers.