Research and Development Manager at Khenpro Global Services

Job Summary

• The R&D Manager will lead menu innovation, recipe development, and product optimization for bakery, confectionery, and QSR offerings.
• The role focuses on creating commercially viable products that deliver consistent taste, quality, speed of service, and cost efficiency while aligning with consumer trends and operational realities of multi-outlet environments.
• This position bridges culinary creativity with industrial scalability—ensuring products can be executed flawlessly across central kitchens and retail outlets.

Key Responsibilities
Product & Menu Innovation:

• Develop new bakery, pastry, dessert, and QSR menu items from concept to launch.
• Create seasonal offerings, promotional products, and limited-time menus to drive traffic.
• Translate food trends into practical, brand-aligned products.

Recipe Standardization & Scalability:

• Convert kitchen concepts into standardized recipes with precise measurements and methods.
• Ensure products can be replicated consistently across multiple outlets.
• Develop preparation manuals, SOPs, and training guides for store teams.

Central Kitchen & Production Optimization:

• Work closely with production teams to scale recipes for bulk manufacturing.
• Optimize batching, baking parameters, holding times, and finishing processes.
• Improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance production efficiency.

Cost Engineering & Margin Management:

• Conduct ingredient costing and reformulate products to meet target food costs.
• Identify alternative ingredients or processes without compromising quality.
• Support profitability through portion control and process optimization.

Quality, Shelf-Life & Food Safety:

• Establish shelf-life standards for baked goods, fillings, and ready-to-eat items.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP).
• Validate packaging solutions to maintain freshness and product integrity.

Store Execution & Operational Feasibility:

• Ensure new products are easy to execute in fast-paced QSR environments.
• Conduct in-store trials to validate preparation time, equipment compatibility, and workflow.
• Train operations teams on new product rollout and handling procedures.

Continuous Product Improvement:

• Monitor customer feedback and sales performance to refine recipes.
• Improve texture, stability, and presentation consistency across locations.
• Lead product refresh initiatives to maintain market relevance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Marketing for product launches and campaign alignment.
• Work with Procurement to source reliable ingredients and packaging.
• Support Operations with troubleshooting and process improvements.

Qualifications & Requirements
Education:

• Degree or certification in Food Science, Bakery Technology, Culinary Arts, or related field.

Experience:

• 4–6+ years in bakery, confectionery, or QSR product development.
• Hands-on experience with commercial baking, dessert production, or fast-service menu design.
• Proven track record of scaling recipes for multi-location operations.