Research and Development Manager

Position Overview

The R&D Manager will lead menu innovation, recipe development, and product optimization for bakery, confectionery, and QSR offerings. The role focuses on creating commercially viable products that deliver consistent taste, quality, speed of service, and cost efficiency while aligning with consumer trends and operational realities of multi-outlet environments.

This position bridges culinary creativity with industrial scalability—ensuring products can be executed flawlessly across central kitchens and retail outlets.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Menu Innovation

• Develop new bakery, pastry, dessert, and QSR menu items from concept to launch
• Create seasonal offerings, promotional products, and limited-time menus to drive traffic
• Translate food trends into practical, brand-aligned products

Recipe Standardization & Scalability

• Convert kitchen concepts into standardized recipes with precise measurements and methods
• Ensure products can be replicated consistently across multiple outlets
• Develop preparation manuals, SOPs, and training guides for store teams

Central Kitchen & Production Optimization

• Work closely with production teams to scale recipes for bulk manufacturing
• Optimize batching, baking parameters, holding times, and finishing processes
• Improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance production efficiency

Cost Engineering & Margin Management

• Conduct ingredient costing and reformulate products to meet target food costs
• Identify alternative ingredients or processes without compromising quality
• Support profitability through portion control and process optimization

Quality, Shelf-Life & Food Safety

• Establish shelf-life standards for baked goods, fillings, and ready-to-eat items
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP)
• Validate packaging solutions to maintain freshness and product integrity