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Manager, R&D Snacks

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  • Lead end-to-end snack R&D: concept, formulation, testing, specs and commercialization.
  • Join a diverse, equal-opportunity AirAsia team driving packaged, frozen and local-inspired snacks.
  • Own launches; drive portfolio growth and commercial impact

Undisclosed

Kuala Lumpur

Job Description



Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL CHAMPION:

Product Development & Innovation

  • Lead the development of new snack products from concept creation through formulation, testing, commercialization, and post-launch evaluation.
  • Develop innovative snack offerings including ready-to-eat, packaged, ambient, frozen, and local-inspired snack categories.
  • Conduct product benchmarking, sensory evaluations, and reformulation initiatives to improve product quality and consumer appeal.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation based on market trends, customer insights, and competitive analysis.

Commercialization & Operational Excellence

  • Collaborate closely with Operations, QA, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to ensure products are scalable and operationally feasible.
  • Ensure products meet food safety, quality, shelf-life, and regulatory standards.
  • Develop product specifications, SOPs, preparation guidelines, and technical documentation.
  • Support smooth execution of product launches across different business channels.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners on ingredient sourcing, product trials, and innovation opportunities.
  • Manage technical discussions and evaluation of ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams to support promotional campaigns, seasonal launches, and portfolio expansion.

Market & Consumer Insights

  • Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and evolving consumer preferences within the snack category.
  • Identify opportunities in healthier snacks, local flavors, convenience snacking, and emerging food trends.
  • Utilize customer feedback and sales performance data to drive product enhancements.

Project & Financial Management

  • Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously while ensuring timely delivery.
  • Support costing exercises and product margin optimization initiatives.
  • Track project timelines, milestones, and commercialization readiness.

WHO YOU ARE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field.
  • Minimum 5–7 years of experience in food/snack R&D, product development, or innovation within FMCG, retail, or food manufacturing industries.
  • Experience in packaged snacks, frozen foods, bakery, convenience foods, or local snack categories is an added advantage.
  • Proven experience managing end-to-end product development and commercialization.
  • Strong knowledge of food formulation, ingredients, shelf-life, and food safety standards.
  • Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
  • Commercially aware with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to balance innovation, cost efficiency, and operational practicality.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Agile, hands-on, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

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