Job Category: Research Development
Job Family: Research and Development
This position will lead the Research Development and New Product Development function for Schreiber Foods (Dairy Beverages) a special emphasis on Cheese innovation . The role will be responsible for driving product innovation, process optimization, and technical excellence while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This position will play a pivotal role in strengthening market leadership by developing new cheese variants and dairy-based products aligned with consumer needs and business strategy.
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 RD 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 RD 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 RD 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.