Join FrieslandCampina Thailand as a Corporate R&D Manager, where you will lead the country's R&D function and shape the innovation pipeline that drives business growth and consumer satisfaction. In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee new product development, product renovation, compliance, packaging innovation, and value-engineering initiatives while partnering closely with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, and Global R&D teams. 

You will be responsible for defining and executing the local R&D strategy, managing a team of product and packaging development professionals, and ensuring the successful delivery of innovation projects from concept to commercialization. The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and technical expertise to translate consumer insights into winning products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and nutrition.

What We Ask

We are looking for an experienced and visionary R&D Manager to lead our innovation efforts at FrieslandCampina (Thailand) Public Co Ltd. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline and bring over 12 years of comprehensive experience in FMCG research and development. This includes expertise in innovation, new product development (NPD), renovation, compliance, and value engineering. Proven leadership capabilities are essential, particularly in managing and developing talented teams while navigating complex stakeholder networks.

Candidates should possess deep knowledge of product development processes, commercialization strategies, and food safety and quality systems. A successful track record of managing project portfolios effectively and translating consumer insights into market-winning products is crucial. Strong communication, influence, and collaboration skills will enable the candidate to align R&D objectives with broader business goals and drive organizational success in a dynamic, corporate environment.

What We Offer

At FrieslandCampina (Thailand), we provide a stimulating and supportive work environment where innovation is encouraged and valued. You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated R&D team, driving the development of cutting-edge consumer products in line with both local and global strategies.

We offer a competitive remuneration package along with opportunities for continuous professional development and growth within a leading multinational corporation. Our culture promotes cross-functional collaboration, empowering you to work closely with departments such as Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations to maximise business impact.

You’ll be equipped with the resources necessary to manage an ambitious innovation pipeline, oversee compliance with the highest food safety and quality standards, and pioneer the exploration of emerging ingredients and technologies that shape the future of dairy products. Join us and become a valued part of an organisation that prioritises sustainability, excellence, and employee well-being.

Vacancy Description

As the R&D Manager for FrieslandCampina Thailand, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the R&D vision, strategy, and development roadmap. Your responsibilities will include managing a balanced and dynamic portfolio that encompasses new product development, product renovation, compliance initiatives, technological advancements, and value engineering projects.

You will cultivate and maintain strong partnerships across multiple functions to ensure our innovation priorities directly support the company’s strategic business plans. Your leadership will be critical in influencing resource allocation and business decisions to seize growth opportunities while mitigating risks.

Additionally, you will oversee the rigorous execution of the innovation pipeline using the FrieslandCampina stage-gate process, making certain that projects progress efficiently and deliver results on time. Leading and nurturing the R&D team will also be a key focus, involving talent management, skills development, and performance management.

You will manage the annual R&D budget with prudence and continuously seek to enhance R&D processes and operational effectiveness. Staying attuned to emerging scientific trends, ingredient technologies, and product formats, you will spearhead initiatives to create differentiated and compelling consumer offerings.

Ensuring compliance with all applicable food safety, hygiene, quality, regulatory, and FrieslandCampina standards will be a cornerstone of your role, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of our products and brand.

This is a key leadership role in our Corporate business group, offering an exciting platform to make a significant impact within the food and beverage industry while working for a highly respected, progressive organisation.

FrieslandCampina Thailand is the affiliate of Royal FrieslandCampina and has been here since 1967. We produce and sell variety of dairy products under brand name Foremost, Ship, Falcon, My Boy, and Debic. The extensive product range of quality products includes  UHT milk, yoghurt drinks, condensed milk, and whipping cream. We believe our current and future success depends largely on the quality of our employees. For this reason, Foremost wants to offer an attractive, challenging and inspiring working environment where employees are encouraged to develop themselves both professional and personally.