Head - R&D and New Product Development (Cheese)

Head - R&D and New Product Development

Job Location: Baramati, Maharashtra

Role Purpose

special emphasis on Cheese innovation

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Innovation & Development

- Lead the design, development, and launch of new cheese products (processed, natural, specialty, value-added).

- Drive innovation across the dairy & beverages portfolio including milk-based beverages, yogurt, and value-added dairy.

- Develop consumer-centric products based on market insights, trends, and sensory evaluation.

- Manage pilot plant trials, scale-up, and commercialization of new products.

2. Process & Yield Improvement

- Optimize cheese-making processes for higher yield, improved texture, and flavor consistency.

- Implement process technologies that reduce wastage and enhance operational efficiency.

- Work closely with plant operations to troubleshoot and improve manufacturing performance.

3. Research & Technology Leadership

- Stay abreast of global developments in cheese science, dairy technology, and functional ingredients.

- Build collaborations with universities, research institutes, and technology partners.

- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (automation, fermentation, cultures, enzymes).

4. Quality & Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure all products meet FSSAI, Codex, and international food safety standards.

- Establish robust testing, validation, and shelf-life protocols.

- Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve issues in product stability and compliance.

5. Leadership & Team Development

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D and NPD team.

- Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Successful launch of X new cheese SKUs annually.

- Yield improvement % in cheese production.

- Reduction in salvage/wastage % through R&D interventions.

- Time-to-market efficiency for new products.

- Consumer acceptance scores and repeat sales for new launches.

Qualifications & Experience

- Master's/PhD in Dairy Technology, Food Science, or Food Engineering.

- 15+ years of R&D and product development experience in the dairy industry, with at least 5+ years in cheese development/technology.

- Proven track record of leading NPD projects from concept to commercialization.

- Strong knowledge of cheese microbiology, fermentation, cultures, and dairy chemistry.

- Experience in managing pilot plants, scale-up, and industrial production trials.

- Exposure to international markets and consumer trends in dairy will be an advantage.

Behavioral Competencies

- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and consumer orientation.

- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

- Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.