Product Development Team Leader

Job Category:

Job Family:

special emphasis on Cheese innovation

product innovation, process optimization, and technical excellence

What you'll do:

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.
  

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.
  

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).
  

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.
  

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
  

What you need to succeed:

• 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.