Assistant Manager

Job Description

We are lloking for a Assistant Manager (R&D) for well knowned food FMCG company in Rajkot. Job Summary: The Assistant Manager of R&D (Seasoning Creation & Application) will be responsible for driving the creation, development, and application of innovative seasoning and flavor solutions for FMCG products. This role requires an in-depth understanding of various seasoning types, ingredient sourcing, formulation, and consumer trends. The Manager will lead the development of new seasoning products, manage testing, oversee customer-specific projects, and scale up successful prototypes for large-scale production. The role includes both technical expertise and the ability to manage cross-functional collaboration, ensuring the products meet quality, regulatory, and performance standards. Key Responsibilities: Seasoning Creation & Blend Development: Compound and blend seasoning samples in response to customer briefs, technology performance assessments, QC standards, and physical testing needs. Formulate complex new seasonings or modify existing seasoning blends to meet customer requirements, internal testing specifications, or new technology developments. Lead the creation of seasoning profiles for a variety of product categories, applying advanced knowledge of multiple seasoning types. Customer Collaboration & Project Management: Coordinate and manage seasoning development projects, ensuring the final product aligns with customer needs, regulatory compliance, manufacturing standards, and scalability. Lead customer visits and technical discussions to gather feedback and tailor seasoning formulations to specific application needs. Execute assigned R&D projects and manage tasks to meet all customer requirements, including sample scale-up, production specifications, and cost optimization. Product Testing & Performance Evaluation: Conduct sensory analysis of lab-scale batches and evaluate experimental data, including analytical and organoleptic tests, to validate seasoning formulations. Execute product shelf-life studies, including evaluation of physical properties, taste, and stability. Lead process capability studies in collaboration with factory teams to improve process consistency and ensure quality standards are met. Perform cost optimization through recipe and process adjustments, exploring alternative ingredients where possible. New Product Development (NPD) & Application: Develop and apply seasoning and flavor profiles in new product formulations, ensuring that seasoning types are suitable for the specific application on the product. Ensure the creation and successful implementation of new recipes or formulations on the production floor, including scale-up and troubleshooting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes based on consumer feedback and internal testing. Documentation & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain comprehensive documentation for recipes, product specifications, and protocols, ensuring that all data is accurately recorded for handover to production. Ensure compliance with statutory product analysis and regulatory requirements, including product labeling and ingredient declarations. Conduct and document studies for all claims related to the product as required by internal standards or regulatory bodies. Consumer Feedback & Continuous Improvement: Analyze consumer feedback and develop corrective actions to improve product formulations based on market response. Conduct product benchmarking and literature searches to stay up-to-date with trends and competitor innovations. Commercial Trials & Scale-Up: Lead commercial trials of new products, focusing on critical parameters such as salt content, moisture content, acidity, particle size distribution, and more. Manage the process of scaling up laboratory-developed products to plant scale, ensuring seamless production integration.