Research and Development (R&D) Manager

Introduction

Our company is a world renowned Audio manufacturer of high quality Audio and Security Products for the global market. We are seeking to hire a Product Director for Asia Pacific regional activities in Singapore.

Job Description

Role: As a leader in new product planning and development, you will work closely with Sales teams across the Asia-Pacific region (including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and other ASEAN countries) as well as R&D teams in Japan and other countries, with a view to future business expansion in the Asia-Pacific market.

You will formulate hypotheses on market size, sales forecasts, and new product requirements, conduct hands-on market research, and proactively identify and develop potential markets.

By accurately capturing market needs, you will define clear product requirements and translate them into actionable inputs for the development team. Working collaboratively with both R&D and Sales, you will balance specifications, quality, cost, and delivery timelines to identify optimal solutions and deliver new products that are well aligned with market demands.

After product launch, you will continuously monitor market feedback and promptly reflect any necessary improvements into the product, ensuring continuous enhancement and long-term competitiveness.

You will conduct market research activities through on-site visits across the broad Asia-Pacific region without geographical bias, develop a comprehensive product roadmap for the region, and ensure it is continuously reviewed and updated.

Requirements, functions, and job descriptions:

• Respond promptly to inquiries related to both new and existing products
• Develop a future-oriented new product roadmap, covering at least a three-year horizon
• Conduct on-site market research for new products
• Plan and execute individual promotion strategies for each new product
• Define pricing strategies for each product and clearly communicate the rationale to the entire sales organization
• Leverage experience in the Public Address (PA) / loudspeaker market
• Apply experience and knowledge related to network equipment and networking technologies
• Take ownership of the full product lifecycle, including end-of-life (EOL), product renewal, and new product introduction
• Maintain a strong understanding of laws, regulations, and standards related to electrical equipment, fire alarm and emergency broadcasting systems, and wireless equipment in each country

Technical skills required:
Strong expertise in audio systems and Public Address (PA) systems
In-depth knowledge of network equipment and networking technologies
Hands-on experience in at least one research and development (R&D) function
Experience in product setup and configuration for PA systems, PA equipment, audio systems, and intercom systems
Practical experience in operating Marketing Automation (MA) tools
Proficient use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
Solid understanding of business and management principles
Expert knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards related to electrical equipment, wireless devices, and fire safety systems

Optional skills a plus:
Proficiency in both English and Japanese
More than six (6) years of work experience at a Japanese company
Knowledge of business management, including finance, human resources, and marketing
Strong skills in leadership, analytical thinking, communication, coaching, and information gathering