R&D Manager

Company Description Nafoods Group (HOSE: NAF), founded in 1995, is a leading and innovative fruit and vegetable grower and processor in Vietnam, specializing in fresh fruits, fruit juice/NFC, puree, concentrate, IQF, and dried fruits. The company's products meet stringent global food safety standards, including AIJN, Halal, Kosher, BRC, SGF, and ISO 22000:2005.
Nafoods operates an integrated value chain from raw material areas and harvesting to processing, manufacturing, export, and distribution, serving customers in more than 70 countries across five continents. With multiple processing facilities, seed institutes, and partnerships with thousands of households covering over 30,000 hectares, Nafoods is a front-runner in agricultural processing in Southeast Asia. The company is committed to sustainable development, focusing on product responsibility, employee welfare, environmental protection, community support, and local economic growth.
Role Description
Lead the execution of R&D business strategies and annual operating plans (AOP/FC), ensuring alignment with market insights and company objectives.
Drive the implementation of action plans, assign tasks, and manage cross-functional collaboration to deliver KPI results.
Manage the end-to-end product development process for juices, IQF, and dried fruit products, including: New product ideation, formulation, and testing; raw material evaluation and selection to meet quality standards; prototype creation, sample preparation, and sensory testing; validation of product quality during technology/equipment changes.
Ensure smooth technology transfer and provide technical documentation to support production scale-up.
Continuously improve product quality and optimize cost structures.
Establish and validate product shelf life through appropriate testing.
Supervise pilot trials and support new product launches on-site (1-2 times per product).
Provide leadership and coaching to the R&D team; engage with customers and partners to ensure successful project execution.
Perform other R&D tasks as assigned by the R&D Director.
Qualifications
Strong skills in Research and Development (R&D) and applied Research for food, beverage, or agricultural processing.
Proven experience in Team Management and Team Leadership, including coaching, performance management, and building collaborative teams.
Demonstrated Project Management capabilities, including planning, prioritization, risk management, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
Relevant academic background, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Agriculture, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Knowledge of food safety standards and quality systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO, BRC) and familiarity with industrial processing technologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data and translate it into practical solutions.
Ability to work on-site between Tay Ninh (Long An) and Ho Chi Minh City, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and occasionally travel to factories and raw material areas.