Head of R&D and Product Innovation (Snack Industry)

About the role

A company in the food and snack industry is looking for a highly experienced and strategic Head of R&D and Product Innovation to lead its research, development and product innovation function. The role shapes the long-term product innovation strategy, drives R&D excellence and builds a sustainable pipeline of commercially successful products. It combines technical expertise in food science and manufacturing with business acumen and market intelligence.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead the R&D and product innovation strategy, set a long-term innovation roadmap and advise senior management on portfolio development and innovation investments.
• Lead the product portfolio from opportunity identification to market launch, creating differentiated food and snack products and overseeing the full innovation lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership in food science, formulation, ingredient functionality, food processing and manufacturing, oversee scale-up and ensure food safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Build market intelligence on global and regional food trends, run consumer research and competitor benchmarking, and turn insights into product concepts.
• Build and lead the R&D organisation, mentor senior technical leaders, allocate resources and budgets and collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Procurement, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
• Ensure innovation delivers business results, work with commercial leadership on feasibility, margins and launch readiness, and drive product investment and portfolio decisions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering or a related discipline.
• 12-15+ years of experience in R&D, Product Development or Product Innovation in food, beverage or FMCG, including significant senior leadership experience.
• Proven track record of developing and executing R&D strategies and leading end-to-end product innovation.
• Experience in snack manufacturing, savoury snacks, biscuits, confectionery or other packaged foods is highly preferred.
• Fluency in English; Bahasa Indonesia is preferred.

Required skills

• Food formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation and manufacturing technologies.
• Building and leading multidisciplinary R&D teams and developing senior technical talent.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience working with C-level executives.