Chef - Product Development (R&D)

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Chef to join our R&D and Culinary Innovation team, specializing in the creation of confectionery, dessert, and bakery products, particularly those aligned with clean label principles. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of culinary expertise and technical knowledge, with a profound understanding of natural ingredients, sensory design, and current food trends. Your primary role will involve spearheading the development of clean label products within the confectionery, dessert, and bakery segments, emphasizing ingredient transparency and minimal processing. You will be tasked with formulating recipes using natural sweeteners, colors, flavors, and functional ingredients that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, or synthetic enhancers. Additionally, you will be responsible for presenting culinary prototypes that resonate with consumer preferences and brand vision. Collaboration with various cross-functional teams such as R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing will be essential to drive innovation from concept to commercialization. You will conduct sensory trials, optimize textures, and assess shelf-life iteratively to ensure product excellence. Staying abreast of emerging clean label trends, ingredients, and technologies will be crucial for inspiring future product pipelines. Furthermore, meticulous documentation of recipes, formulation changes, and trial results will be required, along with close coordination with procurement for sourcing unique and compliant clean label ingredients. The ideal candidate will hold a Degree/Diploma in Culinary Arts, Bakery & Confectionery, Hotel Management, or Food Technology, coupled with 3-4 years of hands-on experience in product development within the food manufacturing, patisserie, QSR, or FMCG industry. Proficiency in confectionery techniques, baking fundamentals, and dessert design is essential, along with demonstrated expertise in clean label projects involving natural, non-synthetic ingredients. Understanding ingredient functionality in clean label systems and attention to flavor balance, texture, appearance, and nutritional appeal are key competencies required. Preferred qualifications include exposure to plant-based, gluten-free, low-sugar, or functional nutrition product development, familiarity with regulatory requirements for clean label claims and product labeling, and experience in scaling formulations from kitchen to commercial production scale. Joining our team will offer you the opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven innovation team that is shaping the future of clean, indulgent, and better-for-you products. You will collaborate with a diverse team committed to quality, creativity, and consumer well-being, contributing to market-leading product launches in the health and wellness space.,