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Job Purpose and Impact

The Manufacturing Technology & Innovation Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, equipment, and processing solutions to support new product commercialization and business growth.

This role serves as the bridge between Product Development, Operations, Engineering, and external technology partners, ensuring that innovative products developed by R&D can be successfully scaled from bench-top or pilot development into efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable commercial production.

The position plays a critical role in driving manufacturing innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting future business expansion through technology leadership.

Key Accountabilities

1. Manufacturing Technology Scouting & Innovation

• Continuously scout and evaluate emerging food processing technologies, automation solutions, equipment, and manufacturing innovations from global and regional markets.
• Identify new equipment and processing technologies that can support current and future product platforms.
• Experience in capital investment evaluation, including CAPEX justification, ROI analysis and cost benefit assessment
• Build and maintain relationships with equipment suppliers, technology providers, research institutes, and industry partners.
• Benchmark industry best practices and manufacturing capabilities against key competitors.

2. New Product Commercialization Support

• Partner closely with R&D Product Development teams to understand product requirements and translate them into manufacturing solutions.
• Lead equipment selection and process development to enable successful scale-up from kitchen, pilot plant, and laboratory concepts to commercial production.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility during product development stages and provide recommendations to improve scalability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness before product launch.

3. Cost & Business Evaluation

• Understand product cost structure and manufacturing economics to support decision-making.
• Recommend technology investments that improve profitability and long-term competitiveness.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate effectively with:
• R&D
• Operations
• Engineering
• Quality & Food Safety
• Procurement
• Act as the technical lead for manufacturing innovation projects.
• Manage project timelines, resources, risks, and stakeholder expectations.

5. Future Capability Building

• • Create technology roadmaps aligned with business growth strategies.
  • Introduce modern manufacturing practices that enhance company competitiveness and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Engineering, Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Food Manufacturing, Process Development, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, or R&D Commercialization.
• Proven experience in equipment selection, process scale-up, and industrial implementation.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and commercialization activities.
• Experience working with food processing equipment suppliers and technology providers.

Leadership Competencies

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Builds strong partnerships across functions.
• Works effectively in diverse and cross-functional teams.
• Creates an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration.

Learning Agility & Open-mindedness

• Continuously seeks external insights, emerging technologies, and market trends.
• Challenges conventional approaches and embraces innovation.
• Demonstrates curiosity and willingness to learn.

Growth Mindset

• Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Adapts quickly in a fast-changing business environment.
• Encourages experimentation and problem-solving.

Resilience

• Performs effectively under pressure and tight timelines.
• Manages ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Maintains a positive attitude during challenges.

Business Acumen

• Understands the balance between innovation, operational feasibility, and profitability.
• Makes decisions based on technical, commercial, and strategic considerations.

• Reduced scale-up and commercialization challenges by integrating manufacturing requirements early in the R&D process.
• Delivered measurable improvements in productivity, yield, labor efficiency, and product cost.
• Strengthened collaboration among R&D, Operations, and Engineering teams.