Head of R&D – Food & Beverage

A leading organisation in the food and beverage sector is seeking a Head of Research and Development to drive its innovation agenda from Bangkok. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to shape the future of product development, reformulation, and process improvement within a highly respected business that values collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and supportive leadership. You will be empowered to lead a multi-disciplinary team across multiple sites, ensuring that every new product meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and market relevance. The company offers flexible working opportunities, generous training programmes, and a culture that celebrates inclusivity and dependability. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact on the food and beverage industry while enjoying a nurturing environment with growth leadership, this role is designed for you. * You will have the chance to define and execute the R&D strategy for a major player in the food and beverage industry, directly influencing innovation pipelines and market trends. * The organisation provides extensive support for professional development through training opportunities, collaborative networks, and inclusive workplace practices. * Enjoy flexible working arrangements and work alongside knowledgeable colleagues who are committed to fostering your success as part of a dependable team.

What you'll do:

• Define and lead the R&D strategy aligned with business goals, innovation pipeline, and market trends.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a multi-disciplinary R&D organization across sites and functions.
• Provide technical leadership for new product development, reformulation, and process innovation from concept to commercialization.
• Act as the technical authority on formulation, processing, packaging, scale-up, and shelf-life in a manufacturing environment.
• Support and collaborate with two manufacturing sites in Central Thailand to ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective processes.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (Thai FDA, GMP, HACCP, export standards).
• Establish clear priorities, KPIs, and performance management to drive execution and accountability.
• Partner closely with management team and cross-functional leaders (Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality) on business decisions.
• Manage the R&D budget, resources, and project governance to ensure timely delivery and ROI.
• Build strong external partnerships with suppliers, customers, and research institutions to accelerate innovation.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline (PhD is a plus).
• Over 15 years of progressive experience in R&D within the food & beverage manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record leading end-to-end product development and commercialization in a factory-based environment.
• Strong experience in managing large technical teams and developing future leaders.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GMP, HACCP, Thai FDA, export markets).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with manufacturing sites and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with strong business, financial, and decision-making capability at executive level.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out due to its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued. With flexible working opportunities tailored to individual needs alongside generous training programmes designed for continuous professional growth, you will find yourself supported at every stage of your career journey. The company’s culture is built around collaboration and supportive leadership that prioritises wellbeing alongside achievement. Employees benefit from access to dependable networks both inside the business (through cross-functional projects) as well as externally via partnerships with leading suppliers or research institutions. The focus on nurturing talent means you’ll have ample opportunity not only to contribute but also develop personally within a forward-thinking organisation recognised for its integrity within the food & beverage sector.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the future of food & beverage innovation while growing your career in a supportive environment—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link below.

Due to the high volume of applications, our team will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Robert Walters Recruitment (Thailand) Limited
Recruitment License No.: น. 1188 / 2551