A leading integrated aquaculture and seafood company in Central Java is seeking a highly experienced Head of Research and Development to spearhead its innovation agen
Head of Research and Development
Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Location: Kendal, Central Java
Keywords: Research and Development, Seafood Innovation, Surimi Product Development, Process Optimisation, Food Safety Compliance, Team Mentorship, Global Market Standards, Sustainable Seafood
This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the future of surimi and fish paste products, driving advancements that set benchmarks across domestic and international markets. As the Head of Research and Development, you will be at the forefront of product innovation, process optimisation, and technology adoption, ensuring the business remains ahead in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor talented professionals, and play a key part in aligning R&D strategy with global consumer trends. If you are passionate about sustainable seafood, thrive on nurturing talent, and have a proven track record in value-added product development, this is your chance to make a significant impact within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
* Shape the R&D vision for a market-leading aquaculture company by leading product innovation and process improvement initiatives that influence both local and global markets.
* Collaborate closely with Operations, Commercial, and Quality teams to translate market insights into successful product pipelines while ensuring compliance with food safety and sustainability standards.
* Enjoy flexible working opportunities within an organisation committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
What you'll do:
As Head of Research and Development, you will take ownership of shaping the company's innovation roadmap by setting clear strategic priorities that drive product excellence. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve overseeing the creation of new surimi and fish paste products designed for diverse consumer bases while ensuring operational efficiency through process optimisation. You will work hand-in-hand with various internal teams-Operations for technical feasibility, Commercial for market alignment, Quality for regulatory adherence-to bring innovative ideas from concept through to commercial launch. By benchmarking against global standards and adopting cutting-edge processing techniques, you will help secure the company's position as an industry leader. Your leadership will extend beyond project management; you will nurture a collaborative team environment where knowledge is shared freely, professional growth is encouraged, and every member feels valued. Success in this role means consistently delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed market expectations while upholding rigorous food safety protocols.
* Set strategic priorities for the Research and Development department by identifying opportunities for product innovation, process optimisation, and new applications in line with business goals.
* Lead the development of new surimi and fish paste-based products tailored to evolving consumer preferences in both domestic and international markets.
* Drive improvements in yield, texture, shelf-life, and quality consistency for surimi and related seafood products through rigorous research methodologies.
* Work collaboratively with Operations, Commercial, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure seamless translation of market insights into commercially viable product pipelines.
* Benchmark global technologies by researching industry best practices and leading the adoption of advanced processing techniques within seafood value-add operations.
* Oversee R&D trials, pilot testing phases, and scale-up processes to ensure smooth transition from concept to commercial production.
* Ensure all R&D activities comply with food safety regulations as well as sustainability standards relevant to both local authorities and international export requirements.
* Mentor a multidisciplinary team by fostering a culture of innovation, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and professional development.
* Engage stakeholders across departments to align R&D objectives with broader organisational strategies while maintaining open channels of communication.
* Monitor emerging trends in global seafood markets to inform ongoing research priorities and maintain competitive advantage.
What you bring:
To excel as Head of Research and Development in this prominent aquaculture organisation, you will bring extensive experience managing large-scale R&D projects within the seafood sector. Your academic background equips you with deep technical understanding while your practical experience ensures you can navigate complex challenges unique to surimi processing. You are adept at balancing technical rigour with commercial realities-translating scientific insights into tangible business outcomes. Your interpersonal skills foster trust among colleagues; you thrive when collaborating across functions or mentoring junior scientists. With a keen eye on regulatory compliance as well as sustainability imperatives, you ensure all innovations are safe for consumers while supporting environmental stewardship. Your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly makes you an effective bridge between technical teams and executive leadership. Above all else, your enthusiasm for advancing sustainable seafood solutions inspires those around you.
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Fisheries Technology, Biotechnology or a closely related discipline is required for this senior-level position.
* A minimum of 12-15 years' experience in R&D leadership roles within the seafood processing industry demonstrates your depth of expertise.
* Demonstrated expertise in surimi and fish paste processing-including formulation techniques-and hands-on experience developing new products is essential.
* A proven track record launching value-added seafood products successfully into both domestic retail channels and international export markets highlights your commercial acumen.
* Experience working with Asian as well as international markets is highly preferred due to the global reach of this role.
* Exceptional project management skills enable you to oversee complex R&D initiatives from ideation through scale-up to commercialisation.
* Strong cross-functional leadership abilities allow you to engage effectively with stakeholders across Operations, Commercial, Quality Assurance, and other departments.
* Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal-are necessary for influencing decisions at all levels; fluency in English is required while proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is advantageous.
* Strategic thinking combined with commercial awareness ensures your recommendations are aligned with business objectives while remaining technically sound.
* A passion for sustainable seafood production coupled with up-to-date knowledge of global consumer trends positions you as an advocate for responsible innovation.
What sets this company apart:
This organisation stands out as one of Indonesia's most respected integrated aquaculture companies-renowned not only for its commitment to quality but also its dedication to responsible sourcing practices. Employees benefit from being part of a collaborative network where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level. The company invests heavily in training opportunities so that each team member can continue growing professionally throughout their career journey. Flexible working arrangements reflect an understanding that work-life balance is crucial for sustained success. The leadership team values input from all staff members regardless of seniority; everyone's voice matters here. By joining this company as Head of Research and Development, you become part of a mission-driven enterprise focused on delivering nutritious seafood products while championing environmental stewardship across every aspect of its operations.
What's next:
If you are ready to shape the future of sustainable seafood innovation on a global stage-this is your moment!
Apply today by clicking on the link provided; take the next step towards making a meaningful impact within an inclusive team dedicated to excellence.
Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.
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