Job Description
<Job Responsibilities> - Conduct research and development activities for seafood products, fresh fish products, and processed seafood products based on market trends and customer requirements - Develop and improve product formulations, processing methods, seasoning recipes, and product specifications while ensuring quality, food safety, shelf life, and cost competitiveness - Evaluate raw materials including fresh seafood, frozen seafood, and processed seafood products, and identify suitable sourcing options - Coordinate closely with seafood suppliers, fishing ports, seafood markets, processing factories, distributors, and related stakeholders - Visit seafood markets, suppliers, and manufacturing sites to inspect raw materials, product quality, processing methods, and production conditions - Conduct product trials, sensory evaluations, shelf-life testing, microbiological testing, and quality improvement activities - Prepare and manage technical documentation including product specifications, ingredient lists, nutritional information, labeling information, and quality reports - Collaborate with factories, Quality Assurance teams, Sales teams, Marketing teams, and HQ in Japan to support new product development and product improvement projects - Research seafood industry trends, consumer preferences, competitor products, and new processing technologies to support innovation - Support commercialization activities and ensure smooth product launches in accordance with project timelines - Monitor food safety regulations, seafood import/export requirements, labeling regulations, and quality standards Identify development issues and propose improvements to optimize product quality, production efficiency, and profitability - Report project progress, product performance, and development outcomes to management - Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Job Requirement
<Necessary Skill / Experience> - At least 3 years of working experience in R&D, Product Development, or Food Science roles in the food industry - Experience in food formulation, product testing, and product improvement - Conversational high level of English to communicate with overseas stakeholders - Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint - Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills - Able to work long-term (minimum 3 years) <Preferable Skill/ Experience> - Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related fields - Experience in seafood or processed food product development - Experience coordinating with overseas stakeholders and factories - Knowledge of food labeling regulations and food safety standards - Experience in new product launches and commercialization processes <Ideal Candidate Profile> - Understands and respects Japanese business culture and values - Honest, responsible, and committed to continuous learning Possesses strong integrity, common sense, and professional ethics - A team player who is considerate and respectful toward colleagues - Demonstrates a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to contribute to the organization's growth *We value personality, attitude, and cultural fit as much as skills and experience.