The R&D Lead is responsible for driving product development and innovation within CBP’s food manufacturing operations. As the primary R&D resource, this role manages the full cycle of product development from concept, formulation, and trials through to commercialization and documentation. The position ensures new and re-engineered products meet business goals, consumer needs, and regulatory requirements, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable smooth product launches.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the development of new products and improvement of existing lines from concept through commercialization.

• Conduct research on raw materials, formulations, packaging, and market trends to identify feasible product opportunities.

• Prepare prototypes, lab samples, and pilot batches for sensory testing and technical assessment.

• Review sensory evaluation results, interpret data, and provide actionable recommendations for product acceptance or modification.

• Validate new raw materials for compatibility with production processes and compliance with quality standards.

• Oversee early production runs, troubleshoot deviations, and recommend corrective measures.

• Conduct shelf-life and stability studies to ensure products maintain safety, quality, and performance across their intended lifecycle.

• Develop accurate technical documentation, including formulations, recipes, SOPs, and product specifications.

• Collaborate with Marketing and Supply Chain on packaging innovations and labelling to meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a culture of creativity and innovation, applying new ideas in product design, processes, and packaging solutions.

Trials & Testing

• Schedule and execute laboratory and line trials for new products, raw materials, and formulations.

• Collect and analyse trial data to establish product standards and process requirements.

• Document outcomes and share recommendations with management and relevant departments.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain master files for all R&D projects, ensuring product specifications, reports, and approvals are complete and accurate.

• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001, and all applicable food safety regulations.

• Verify that labelling and packaging meet local and export regulatory requirements, including nutrition, allergen, and statutory disclosures.

Knowledge Transfer & Training

• Translate learnings from product development into technical manuals, SOPs, and training guides.

• Train Production and Quality staff on new formulations, processes, and product standards to ensure smooth handover.

Continuous Improvement

• Review and refine existing products for quality, cost optimization, or shelf-life extension.

• Recommend efficiency improvements and raw material substitutions to reduce cost and waste.

• Stay updated on emerging ingredients, technologies, and processes to support CBP’s competitive advantage.

Governance & Safety

• Ensure all R&D activities are carried out in accordance with HSE standards and laboratory best practices.

• Promote compliance with food safety, GMP, and company policies at all times.

Qualifications & Experience required

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (Master’s is an asset).

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in product development or R&D within the food manufacturing sector.

• Demonstrated ability to lead new product launches from concept to commercialization.

• Training or certification in HACCP, ISO, or other food safety systems preferred.