Food Technologist - R&D, Quality & Food Safety

Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled Food Technologist to oversee food quality, safety, compliance, and new product development across production processes. The role focuses on implementing quality systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining food safety standards, and supporting R&D initiatives from concept to commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Assurance & Compliance

- Develop, implement, and maintain food quality and safety management systems.

- Ensure compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 / FSSC standards.

- Prepare, review, and maintain SOPs, quality manuals, and documentation.

- Support internal and external audits, inspections, and certifications.

- Conduct supplier quality evaluations and approve raw material vendors.

2. Quality Control & Testing

- Monitor quality checks for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

- Conduct microbiological, chemical, and sensory analysis.

- Review and approve batch records, COAs, and product specifications.

- Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

3. Food Safety & Hygiene

- Develop and implement HACCP plans and food safety protocols.

- Monitor hygiene, sanitation, pest control, water quality, and environmental conditions.

- Ensure adherence to cold chain and storage standards.

- Conduct food safety and hygiene training for teams.

4. Process Improvement & Issue Resolution

- Analyze quality deviations, non-conformities, and customer complaints.

- Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).

- Work with production and R&D to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.

5. Research & Development (New Product Development)

- Support new product development (NPD) from concept to commercialization.

- Conduct research on ingredients, formulations, shelf life, and processing methods.

- Perform product trials, pilot batches, and recipe standardization.

- Collaborate with production, procurement, and marketing teams for product launches.

- Ensure new products meet quality, food safety, regulatory, and sensory standards.

- Document formulations, process parameters, and technical specifications.

- Research market trends, customer preferences, and innovative food solutions.

6. Documentation & Reporting

- Maintain quality records, audit reports, and testing logs.

- Prepare periodic quality performance reports for management.

- Support compliance documentation for new and existing products.

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Food Technology / Food Science / Dairy Technology / Microbiology or related field.

- 1–5 years of experience in food manufacturing, QA/QC, food safety, or R&D roles.

- Strong understanding of Indian food regulations.

Key Skills

- Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems

- HACCP, GMP, ISO/FSSC exposure

- Strong documentation and analytical skills

- Attention to detail and problem-solving ability

- Good communication and coordination skills