Research And Development Manager

Job Description

Happy to present an excellent opportunity with a growing spices & seasoning manufacturing Position- Head of R&D - snacks & seasonings Reporting TO - Director - Innovation / chief Technical officer Location: Mumbai, Experience: Minimum 10+years Working days - 5 days Education - M.Tech / M.Sc in Food Technology, Food Science, or related fields. · 10–15 years of relevant experience in R&D for snacks, dry seasoning blends, and savoury categories , preferably in FMCG or food ingredient companies . · Strong experience in product commercialisation, flavor development, and scale-up processes . The Head of R&D – Snacks & Seasonings will be responsible for leading the formulation, innovation, and commercialisation of dry blends for snacks, savoury foods, QSR applications, and instant ready-to-eat products . This role demands a strong technical background in food science, hands-on experience with seasoning systems, and an understanding of flavour technology, processing, and product shelf life. The candidate will head a cross-functional team to develop commercially viable, regulatory-compliant, and consumer-driven products aligned with evolving food trends and business goals. Key Responsibilities: 1. Product Innovation & Development · Lead the end-to-end development of dry blends for: o Extruded, fried, and baked snacks o Savory products and condiments o QSR and HoReCa applications (e.g., coatings, marinades, sprinkle blends) o Instant RTE foods (noodles, pasta, rice, etc.) · Leverage global flavor trends, functional ingredients , and process innovation to create impactful new product lines. · Conduct lab trials, application testing, sensory evaluations, and shelf-life studies . 2. Technical Leadership · Supervise a team of food technologists, culinary experts, and lab technicians (5–15 members) . · Mentor the team on flavor systems, dry blending techniques, stability, and scalability . · Ensure comprehensive documentation : formulations, process specs, SOPs, stability protocols, and test methods. 3. Project Management · Own the R&D project pipeline from ideation to launch. · Work closely with marketing, QA, manufacturing, and procurement to ensure timely and successful commercialization. · Prioritize projects based on business impact, feasibility, and strategic direction . 4. Quality, Compliance & Cost Optimization · Reformulate products for cost optimization while maintaining taste and quality. · Ensure strict compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, ISO, and customer-specific standards . · Maintain robust quality assurance checks for raw materials, in-process blends, and finished products. 5. Vendor & Ingredient Management · Evaluate and approve new ingredients, vendors, and co-manufacturing partners . · Stay ahead of ingredient innovations in flavor carriers, seasoning enhancers, and clean-label solutions. · Collaborate with suppliers for customized ingredient solutions . Team Management · Lead, train, and develop a high-performing R&D team. · Define team KPIs and performance metrics . · Encourage collaboration, technical curiosity, and a culture of continuous innovation . Key Skills & Competencies: · Deep knowledge of snacks processing (extrusion, frying, baking) · Expertise in dry blending , seasoning systems, and powder technology · Familiarity with instant food and QSR flavor solutions · Strong grasp of sensory science and consumer preference mapping · Proficiency in regulatory compliance and technical documentation · Strategic mindset with excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills Show more Show less