R&D Executive

Key Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in food science/technology, Dairy Science/Technology (masters degree is a plus).
• Technical Skills: Proficient in food formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and lab-scale product development, including Pilot and commercial scale-up. Experience with food processing and production methods is a plus. Operates laboratory equipment (Centrifuge, pH meter, Moisture analyzer, Kjeldahl apparatus, etc.).
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations, quality control, and industry standards.
• Creative & Analytical Thinking: Ability to blend creativity with scientific analysis to develop innovative products that meet consumer expectations and market needs.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during product development and production stages.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset with experience working in cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the creation and improvement of food products, from ideation, and prototype development to commercialization, ensuring they meet quality, taste, nutritional, and regulatory standards. Develop and test product formulations, creating prototypes for internal and external tastings and feedback sessions.
• Conduct research on new food trends, ingredients, and technologies, keeping up to date with advancements in food science and technology trends.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source ingredients, and assess their functionality, flavor profiles, and cost-effectiveness. Following up with suppliers on current/new ingredients for trials.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to optimize production processes, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and product consistency.
• Conduct sensory evaluations to assess product attributes like taste, texture, aroma, and appearance, and tweak the formulation as necessary.
• Ensure all products are developed in compliance with FSSAI regulations and labelling standards.
• Work closely with marketing, operations, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product development and successful product launches.
• Maintain detailed records of product formulations, testing results, and development processes. Developing RM specification sheets, FG specification sheets, Product Manual, creating draft labels and Nutritional information calculation. Prepare and present progress reports.

Desired Attributes:

• Passion for food innovation and trends, with a consumer-centric mindset.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects.
• This role requires travel to manufacturing sites for scale-up/commercial trials.