Role Overview:

As the Head R&D - Food, based in Mumbai, you will lead the development and execution of innovative food product strategies, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer demands. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations to drive product innovation from concept to launch. This role directly impacts the company's growth by creating differentiated, high-quality food products that meet consumer needs and exceed expectations, ultimately enhancing brand reputation and market share.

Key Responsibilities :

- Spearhead the development of new food products and reformulations, catering to evolving consumer preferences and nutritional requirements, to drive revenue growth and market leadership.

- Lead a team of food scientists and technologists, providing mentorship and guidance to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in product development.

- Ensure all R&D activities adhere to stringent quality standards, food safety regulations, and industry best practices, safeguarding consumer health and brand integrity.

- Manage the R&D budget effectively, optimizing resource allocation to maximize return on investment and achieve strategic objectives.

- Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to identify and evaluate new ingredients and suppliers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience.

- Drive process excellence initiatives within the R&D function, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency to accelerate product development cycles.

- Oversee the development and maintenance of accurate product specifications and documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

- Manage projects from ideation to commercialization, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery of new products.

- Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and product differentiation.

Required Skillset:

- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team of food scientists and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

- Proven expertise in food product development, formulation, and processing techniques, with a strong understanding of ingredient functionality and interactions.

- Deep knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards, and regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring product safety and adherence to legal guidelines.

- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

- Adept at budgeting and financial management, with the ability to develop and manage R&D budgets effectively.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex technical challenges.

- A Master's or PhD degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is preferred.

- Ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative on-site work environment in Mumbai.