Manager Research & Development

Job Description

Key Responsibilities: 1. New Product Innovation & Development Develop new formulations, ingredients, and product lines based on market trends and consumer preferences. Well versed in research activities like Competitive Benchmarking, Ingredient Screening, Literature Searching & Understanding. Research and experiment with innovative ingredients, textures, and flavors to enhance product offerings. Work closely with food scientists and ingredient suppliers to source high-quality raw materials. Collaborate with marketing, R&D, and consumer insights teams to identify market gaps and innovation opportunities. 2. Recipe Formulation & Testing Develop and test new formulations for taste, texture, stability, and shelf life. Conduct trials and pilot tests to ensure product feasibility for large-scale production. Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including FDA, FSSAI, HACCP, and GMP. 3. Product Development & Process Optimization Work closely with production teams to optimize recipes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality consistency. Troubleshoot production challenges related to ingredient interactions, processing, and storage stability. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance and reduce waste. 4. Market Research & Trend Analysis Stay updated on emerging trends in the ice cream industry, including clean-label, plant-based, and low-sugar products. Analyze competitor products and customer feedback to identify innovation opportunities. Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to refine product taste, usability, and appeal. Collaborate with the marketing team to translate consumer insights into product concepts. Translate customer insights into actionable product development strategies. 5. Compliance & Regulatory Management Ensure that all new products comply with food safety regulations (FDA, FSSAI, USDA, etc.). Maintain accurate documentation for product specifications, ingredient declarations, and nutritional labelling. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to meet HACCP, GMP, and other food safety standards. 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with procurement to source new ingredients while managing costs. Work closely with marketing and sales teams to develop product positioning and branding. Assist in packaging development, ensuring compatibility with product stability and shelf life. 7. Cost Management & Profitability Optimization Evaluate ingredient costs and manufacturing expenses to optimize product margins. Identify process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising product quality. Assist in setting competitive pricing strategies based on cost analysis and market trends. Required Skills & Qualifications: Bachelor's/masters degree in food technology, Dairy Technology, or a related field. 8+ years of experience in new product development within the ice cream or dairy industry. Strong knowledge of ice cream processing, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and ingredient interactions. Familiarity with sensory evaluation techniques and quality control processes. Experience in food safety regulations, labelling laws, and compliance requirements. Excellent project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams. Strong knowledge of product formulation, processing technologies, and ingredient functionality. Experience with regulatory compliance, food safety, and quality assurance. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.