The Product Expert Manager will lead technical support and product innovation for chocolate solutions mainly in South East Asia and potentially covering Indonesia and other countries in Asia.
The role will work closely with customers to understand their needs, translate them into viable product solutions, and support the development and commercialization of new chocolate products. This role is pivotal in driving customer satisfaction, product excellence, and business growth.
About The Role
- Customer Technical Support & Engagement
- Serve as the primary technical contact for customers in the region.
- Provide expert advice on chocolate applications, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Conduct technical training to customers and internal teams.
- Build strong customer relationships to support business retention and growth.
- Product Development & Innovation
- Lead end-to-end new product development: from technical brief to lab samples, industrial trials, and commercial launch.
- Collaborate with Customer business development/commercial, CI&TS, and Manufacturing teams to ensure feasibility and scalability.
- Identify market trends and customers' needs to propose innovative solutions.
- Work closely with sourcing and PE team on cost leadership alternatives.
- Project & Portfolio Management
- Manage a balanced portfolio of customer projects, prioritizing based on strategic impact.
- Track and report project progress, KPIs, and outcomes to regional leadership.
- Ensure timely delivery of solutions aligned with customer expectations and business goals.
- Recommend the right product that fits the customer’s end application.
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Customer Development/commercial, Marketing, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to align product strategies.
- Integrate supply chain considerations into product recommendations.
- Leverage Barry Callebaut’s global expertise and resources to deliver best-in-class solutions.
- Training & Representation
- Organize and lead chocolate product training sessions, innovation days, and co-creation workshops.
- Represent Barry Callebaut at industry events, trade shows, and technical forums.
About You
- Min. bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry or other equivalent background
- Min 8 years of experience in product development / product applications/ process in the food industry.
- Fluent in Business English, local languages such as Indonesia, Mandarin, Japanese, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese are an added advantage
- Comfortable with minimally 30% traveling
At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong.
#oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.
