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Manager, R&D Beverage

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  • Lead end-to-end beverage R&D: ideate, test, launch and optimise products.
  • Fast, diverse team shaping Santan’s beverage portfolio with inclusive culture.
  • Own high-impact launches with broad cross-functional exposure and direct consumer impact!

Undisclosed

Kuala Lumpur

Job Description



Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL CHAMPION:

Product Development & Innovation

  • Lead end-to-end beverage product development from ideation, formulation, testing, commercialization, and post-launch review.
  • Develop innovative beverage concepts aligned with market trends, customer preferences, and Santan’s brand strategy.
  • Create and improve hot, cold, ready-to-drink, and functional beverage offerings across multiple channels.
  • Conduct sensory evaluations, benchmarking, and product optimization to ensure product excellence.

Commercialization & Operational Excellence

  • Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and QA teams to ensure smooth product implementation and scalability.
  • Translate product concepts into commercially viable products while maintaining cost efficiency and operational practicality.
  • Support launch readiness including SOP development, training materials, and product documentation.
  • Ensure beverage formulations meet shelf-life, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

  • Collaborate with ingredient suppliers and manufacturing partners for sourcing, trials, and innovation opportunities.
  • Manage supplier evaluations, ingredient testing, and technical discussions.
  • Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams on promotional launches, seasonal campaigns, and portfolio strategies.

Market & Consumer Insights

  • Monitor beverage industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging consumer behaviors.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation in categories such as coffee, tea, functional drinks, local flavors, and convenience beverages.
  • Utilize customer feedback and performance data to drive continuous product improvement.

Financial & Project Management

  • Manage product development timelines, project milestones, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Support costing exercises and margin optimization initiatives.
  • Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets.

WHO YOU ARE:


  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field. 
  • Minimum 5–7 years of experience in beverage R&D, product development, or innovation within F&B, FMCG, or retail industries.
  • Experience in coffee, tea, RTD, or functional beverage categories is an added advantage.
  • Proven experience managing end-to-end product development and commercialization projects.
  • Strong knowledge of beverage formulation, ingredients, processing, and food safety standards.
  • Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
  • Commercially driven with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Fast-paced, agile, and hands-on working style.

We are all different - one talent to another - that is how we rely on our differences. At AirAsia, you will be treated fairly and given all chances to be your best.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Search Firm Representatives - AirAsia does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place.


Job Requirements


Company Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package

The company offers various perks such as travel discounts, which include reduced rates for flights and access to e-coupon schemes.

Career Development Opportunities

The company invests in its employees through training programs, workshops, and skill development initiatives.

Dynamic Work Environment

The company is known for its innovative culture and encourages employees to bring creative ideas to the table.


Additional Info

Company Activity

Last active - few days ago

Job Specialisation


Company Profile

AirAsia X-logo-image

AirAsia X

Now, that dream has sparked half a billion more dreams and will continue to do so through new experiences from Asean fast food and food deliveries to a network of gateways and getaways. Source: https://www.capitala.com/mission_vision.html