Manager / Senior Manager - New Product Development

DeHaat is on a mission to revolutionize Indian agriculture by offering end-to-end agricultural services to farmers, including distribution of high-quality agri-inputs, customized farm advisory, financial services, and market linkages. Honest Farms by DeHaat is our initiative focused on delivering traceable, responsibly grown produce to modern consumersconnecting urban demand with rural supply in a fair, transparent, and sustainable way. We believe in being honestwith our farmers, our customers, and ourselves. We're building a food system that’s good for people, good for farmers, and good for the planet.

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Product Development lead to drive the ideation, formulation, and commercialization of new products that will shape the future of our brand providing future growth and scale.

- Role Objective:

• The role requires a blend of creative culinary passion, a data-driven approach, and a deep understanding of manufacturing and quality processes, involving responsibility for leading the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to launch, ensuring that their products are not only delicious and on-trend but also scalable and profitable.
• Establish and lead a fully-fledged R&D center for 50-60 annual product development with 4-5 quarterly product launches.

- Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Innovation & Ideation:

  Drive the product innovation pipeline by identifying new market trends, consumer needs, and technological advancements in the food tech and FMCG landscape.

• End-to-End Product Development:

  Lead the development of new food products from initial concept to commercial launch. This includes recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing, sensory evaluation, and pilot-scale trials.

• Cross-Functional Leadership:

  Serve as a key liaison between various departments, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business goals.

• Technical & Quality Oversight:

  Maintain a deep understanding of food science principles, food safety standards (HACCP, GMP), and regulatory compliance. Ensure all new products meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

• Project & Budget Management:

  Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring all timelines and budgets are met. Provide regular updates and reports to senior management.

• Costing & Feasibility Analysis:

  Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and cost analyses to determine the viability and profitability of new product concepts.

• Market & Consumer Insights:

  Collaborate with the marketing and research teams to translate consumer insights and market data into actionable product development plans.

- Qualifications & Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product development within the FMCG, food & beverage, or food tech industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new food products from concept to market.
• Required Skills: Technical (food science, product development, quality management, regulatory expertise), Leadership (team building, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration), Business (market understanding, innovation culture, financial acumen)
• A strong portfolio of product innovations, particularly in the food tech space, demonstrating a modern and forward-thinking approach to product development.
• Expert knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage complex projects and timelines.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.