Our partner is one of Vietnam’s largest domestic fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. Over the years, the company has expanded its product portfolio, enhanced its sales force, and optimized its distribution channels, solidifying its leadership position in Vietnam’s branded food and beverage market.
Reports To: Chief R&D Officer
Location: Binh Duong, Vietnam
Job Responsibilities
- Strategic Product Leadership & Innovation
- Assume full ownership of the coffee innovation and product improvement pipeline, from concept generation to market launch, guaranteeing success based on consumer acceptance, product performance benchmarks, gross margin targets, and on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery.
- Spearhead collaboration across various internal departments, effectively linking R&D functions (such as Consumer Insights, Process Development, Packaging, Systems/Specifications, Regulatory/Microbiology, and Research Platforms) with business functions in Marketing and Supply Chain.
- Develop and champion the strategic product and technology roadmap specifically for the coffee segment, ensuring strong alignment with overall commercial goals and supply chain strategies.
- Technical Development & Formulation Expertise
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of end-to-end coffee and beverage processing technologies to create robust formulations for innovation and renovation projects, ensuring they meet predefined success metrics and result in market-winning products delivered reliably.
- Define and establish optimal formulation approaches and technological processes, carefully balancing sensory attributes, ingredient functionality (including preservation methods), shelf-life stability, sustainability considerations, and cost-effectiveness.
- Take responsibility for establishing dependable and scalable laboratory development procedures that facilitate smooth transitions to pilot plant testing and ultimately, full-scale manufacturing.
- Partner effectively with Consumer Insights (CI) to translate technical product concepts and consumer understanding into concrete, successful product formulations.
- Collaborate closely with the packaging team to ensure product safety and harmonious interaction between the coffee product and its packaging, verifying shelf-life based on packaging materials and designs.
- Proactively identify and evaluate emerging coffee technologies, global industry trends, and evolving consumer preferences to integrate novel concepts and platforms into the business plan.
- Guarantee that all product formulations, selected ingredients, and associated claims rigorously comply with applicable local and international food regulations and standards.
- Lead, mentor, and foster the growth of a high-caliber coffee R&D team.
- Oversee resource allocation, manage talent development initiatives, and establish a succession plan for vital roles within the coffee R&D structure.
- Food technology Proficiency
- Deep understanding of formulation and processing techniques
- Freeze-drying methods and supercritical extraction technology.
- Advanced packaging technologies for freshness preservation (e.g., EPEA, SFD 3D).
- Principles of liquid coffee extraction and techniques for flavor profiling.
- Methods for managing acidity in coffee products.
- Ability to connect consumer feedback and sensory data to technical product attributes.
- Strong grasp of flavor chemistry and aroma characterization pertinent to coffee.
Job Requirements:
Education & Knowledge
- Advanced Degree (Master’s or PhD.) in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or technical field.
Experience & Expertise
- A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive R&D experience within the Food & Beverage sector, with a strong preference for significant experience in coffee or adjacent beverage categories.
- Possesses profound knowledge of coffee science (spanning green coffee sourcing, roasting parameters, extraction science, freeze-drying, supercritical CO₂ extraction), alongside flavor chemistry and advanced formulation principles.
- Demonstrated experience with process scale-up from laboratory/pilot to industrial manufacturing, application of sensory science methodologies, and integrating packaging requirements into product development.
- A proven history of successfully leading cross-functional teams through complex innovation projects and launching products effectively at scale, ideally within multinational corporate settings.
- Knowledge of formal Risk Assessment procedures and methodologies like Six Sigma is considered advantageous.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional team leadership capabilities with a commitment to developing people.
- Strong project management skills coupled with excellent communication abilities (verbal, written, presentation).
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders across functions and effectively manage organizational change.
If you possess the required skills and experience and are ready to significantly contribute to the dynamic team, we warmly welcome your application at application@peoplewise.vn.
About PeopleWise Vietnam:
PeopleWise Vietnam was founded with the mission of positively impacting our community by improving the quality of the labor force, addressing workforce dynamics, and enhancing its effectiveness. During our initial phase, we provided solutions and human resources consulting services to our partners worldwide, including workforce advisory, organizational diagnosis, career transition, training services, talent management, and staffing solutions that align with each organization’s values and vision, driving business success.
Visit us at our website: https://peoplewise.vn/
To apply for this job email your details to application@peoplewise.vn