Technical Manager

Job Description:

Level Up Talent Solutions is looking for an experienced and innovative Technical Manager to join our client's growing FMCG organization in the food industry. This leadership role is responsible for driving product research and development, overseeing technical operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading cross-functional teams to successfully develop and launch high-quality food products. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the research, development, and commercialization of new food products while driving continuous improvement of existing products to meet business objectives and market demands.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept development, formulation, pilot plant testing, scale-up, validation, and commercial launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, food safety standards, labeling requirements, HACCP, GMP, and other applicable local and international regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor the technical, R&D, and laboratory teams by providing technical direction, performance coaching, and capability development to foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Sales, Procurement, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing teams to align product development initiatives with customer requirements and business strategies.
• Conduct market research, analyze consumer trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities and support strategic product development.
• Manage product formulation, recipe standardization, BOM management, shelf-life studies, product troubleshooting, and technical documentation to ensure product quality and manufacturing readiness.
• Monitor technical project performance, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation while recommending process improvements that enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition or closely related course is required. A Master’s Degree or a PhD is a plus.
• Certifications in Food Safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Basic Sensory Evaluation Skills or Quality Assurance are often required
• At least 10 years of experience in food research, development, or food manufacturing is required
• In-depth understanding in Product Research and Development strategies, principles and dynamic
• Experience in pilot plant-testing, scale-up, shelf-life studies, and product troubleshooting
• In-depth knowledge of FDA, local, and international food regulations and labeling laws
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from concept to launch, including managing budgets and timelines
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaborations with marketing, sales, materials management (procurement), and quality assurance teams
• Ability to analyze market trends, competitor products, and consumer feedback to drive innovations
• Excellent Technical, Analytical, Problem-solving and Decision-making Skills
• High proficiency in computer applications including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and specialized recipe (BOM) management software 
• Proficiency in English, both verbal or written, is required
• Good Leadership and People Handling Skills 
• Personal Attributes (creative; results-oriented mindset focused on developing new products and improving existing ones; assertive; proactive; and open-minded
• Work Environment (office and laboratory)
• Physical Demand (field audit with customers, client, suppliers/vendors
• Above average in People Handling Skills
• Conversant with the following product categories 
• Snacks
• Biscuits and Cookies
• Beverage
• Package Cakes
• Confectionery