Food R&D Head - Global FMCG Company

Shanghai Permanent RMB1,000,000 - RMB1,200,000 per year View Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Head of Food R&D (B2B) to lead end-to-end product innovation and development for this fast-growing segment in China.This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building and institutionalizing a comprehensive B2B product development framework, partnering closely with commercial teams to shape a scalable and differentiated product portfolio-not just individual SKUs.
  • Be part of a strategic growth journey shaping the future of B2B snacking in APAC
  • Work at the intersection of innovation and commercial execution

About Our Client

This is a globally recognised organisation in the FMCG industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. With a large-scale operation, the company is dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services to its clients and customers.

Job Description

Lead End-to-End Product Development

  • Own the full lifecycle of B2B food product development, from concept creation to commercialization and post-launch optimization.
  • Ensure alignment with global R&D standards while adapting to local market needs.



Build B2B R&D Framework & Capabilities

  • Establish and standardize internal processes, tools, and governance for B2B product development.
  • Drive integration across functions including marketing, supply chain, quality, and regulatory.



Portfolio Strategy & Innovation

  • Collaborate with commercial and category teams to co-develop customer-centric product portfolios tailored to different B2B segments (e.g., foodservice chains, convenience retail, modern trade).
  • Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into scalable innovation pipelines.



Customer-Centric Solutions

  • Design products and formats that meet the specific operational, cost, and experience needs of B2B clients.
  • Engage directly with key customers to co-create solutions and strengthen strategic partnerships.



Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Act as a key R&D business partner to sales and commercial teams, ensuring strong alignment between product innovation and go-to-market strategies.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing R&D team.



Quality, Compliance & Efficiency

  • Ensure all products meet global quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.
  • Optimize product design for manufacturability, cost efficiency, and scalability.

The Successful Applicant

Bachelor's degree or above in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.

10+ years of experience in food R&D, with strong exposure to the B2B / foodservice / AFH segment.

Proven track record in end-to-end product development and commercialization.

Experience in building or transforming R&D processes and capabilities is highly desirable.

Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate insights into portfolio-level innovation, not just single-product development.

Hands-on experience collaborating with commercial teams and engaging with external customers.

Solid understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, and regulatory environments.

Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Fluent in English and Mandarin

What's on Offer

  • Competitive annual salary ranging from CNY 1000000 to CNY 1200000.
  • Collaborative and forward-thinking company culture.
  • Lead transformational change and build new capabilities within a globally recognized brand.



If you are passionate about R&D and the FMCG industry and are looking for a career-defining role in Shanghai, we encourage you to apply today.

Contact
Sheva Fang
Quote job ref
JN-052026-7010709
Phone number
+86 21 6026 8105

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Specialisation
Engineering Design, R&D and NPI
What is your area of specialisation?
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
Shanghai
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Sheva Fang
Consultant phone
+86 21 6026 8105
Job Reference
JN-052026-7010709

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.