Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior R&D Specialist – Pet Food to lead the end-to-end development of our texturizing and stabilizing ingredients solution for wet, dry and snacks from concept ideation and formulation through pilot trials and commercial production. This role is responsible for driving food ingredients innovation and supporting business growth through the successful delivery of high-quality, market-driven of pet food products across APAC.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct performance and benchmark testing of texturizing and stabilizing ingredients (starches, hydrocolloids and emulsifiers) to improve product formulations, manufacturing processes, product quality, cost efficiency, and operational performance.
- Manage product development projects to deliver quality, cost, and timeline objectives while supporting business growth.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including formulation records, trial reports, technical presentation, and other related documentation (In English).
- Build and manage laboratory samples and related raw materials stock.
- Ensure compliance with applicable quality management systems and food safety standards and relevant regulatory requirements of pet food products.
- Monitor emerging market trends, consumer insights, industry technologies, and competitive developments to drive innovation within the pet food portfolio.
Position Requirements & Key Abilities
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Animal Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Veterinary Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline. Master's degree is preferable.
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the development of pet food (wet, dry and snacks)
- Strong technical knowledge of pet food ingredients, synergetic effects of starch & hydrocolloids, formulation, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
- Proven experience managing product development projects from concept through commercialization.
- Able to conduct texture analysis, viscosity analysis, microscopic analysis, statistical analysis, shelf-life stability test, emulsion stability test and pilot scale extrusion test is preferable.
- Able to do analysis test outside location at collaborative university labs or food research institutes.
- Sound understanding of quality management systems and food safety standards, including GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Excellent analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions independently.
- Demonstrated good English communication skill with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Experience supporting OEM/ODM manufacturing and export markets will be considered an advantage.
Please note that this is a general description of the role and its requirements. The duties and responsibilities within this role may change over the course of employment at the employer's discretion.
