Manager, R&D Beverage

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.