New Product Development Manager

Job Purpose

To lead the New Product Development (NPD) and Research & Development (R&D) function, driving product innovation, quality improvement, and process efficiency. The role involves conceptualizing, developing, and launching new products in line with market trends, customer expectations, and brand positioning while ensuring cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead end-to-end development of new products from concept to launch.
• Research emerging trends, ingredients, technologies, and competitors to bring innovative product ideas.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Sales teams to align product innovations with consumer needs and business objectives.
• Develop prototypes, conduct product testing, and refine recipes for scalability.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure that all products meet food safety, hygiene, FSSAI standards, and internal quality benchmarks.
• Work with QA teams to document product specifications, shelf-life studies, and nutritional data.

Process Improvement & Costing

• Optimize formulations and processes for efficiency, shelf life, and cost control without compromising quality.
• Partner with Supply Chain team to evaluate new raw materials and alternate suppliers.
• Conduct yield improvement and wastage reduction initiatives.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Procurement, and Operations for seamless product rollouts.
• Train production teams on new recipes, methods, and SOPs.
• Provide technical expertise to Marketing during product launches.

Project Management & Documentation

• Manage NPD pipeline, timelines, and budgets effectively.
• Maintain detailed records of trials, formulations, costing, and approvals.
• Regularly review and update product portfolio to phase out underperforming SKUs.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of food science, ingredients, and confectionery/patisserie/chocolaterie trends.
• Creative flair with a structured approach to R&D and product innovation.
• Expertise in recipe formulation, scaling up from lab to production.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations, quality systems, and compliance.
• Project management and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors/Masters degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Bakery & Confectionery, or related field.
• 610 years of experience in R&D / NPD within food, bakery, confectionery, or F&B industry.
• Proven track record of successful product launches.
• Experience in premium or artisanal product categories preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of new product launches as per agreed timelines.
• Success rate of launched products (customer acceptance & sales performance).
• Cost efficiency and yield improvements in recipes.
• Compliance with food safety & quality standards.
• Reduction in product wastage during trials and production.