Research And Development Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective:

The Executive/Senior Executive – R&D will support new product development, product improvement, vendor coordination, sensory evaluation, sample management, and cross-functional project execution. The role is responsible for ensuring timely completion of NPD projects, coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders, managing product trials and sensory evaluations, maintaining technical documentation, and supporting product commercialization efforts.

Essential Functions

1. NPD Project Management

• Track and monitor New Product Development (NPD) projects to ensure timely completion and successful launch.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders on project milestones.
• Share regular project updates with management and concerned teams.
• Support product development activities under the guidance of the R&D Head.
• Maintain project trackers and development timelines.

2. Vendor Coordination & Development

• Initiate and manage discussions with vendors for new product development projects.
• Coordinate sample development, collect feedback, and communicate improvement requirements.
• Conduct vendor visits and support first commercial production trials.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective vendors.
• Maintain vendor records, approvals, and documentation.

3. Sample Management & Sensory Evaluation

• Plan, organize, and conduct sensory evaluations for NPD and existing products.
• Coordinate product samples for India and U.S. sensory panels.
• Prepare, record, and circulate sensory evaluation reports.
• Arrange market benchmark samples for comparative evaluations.
• Manage receipt, storage, inventory, and disposal of development samples.
• Ensure proper documentation of sensory evaluation findings.

4. Product Development & Validation

• Support product improvement and reformulation initiatives.
• Participate in vendor trials and validation activities.
• Assist in developing product specifications, process parameters, and SOPs.
• Collect supplier technical information and product data.
• Conduct and monitor internal shelf-life studies.
• Validate product preparation, cooking, and heating instructions.
• Support product performance evaluation and commercialization readiness.

5. QA & Regulatory Support

• Prepare Nutritional Facts Table (NFT) data for value-added products.
• Share ingredient declarations, shelf-life information, and preparation instructions with the Regulatory team for BOP preparation.
• Support development and maintenance of product-related technical documentation.
• Coordinate with QA and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with quality and labeling requirements.

6. Sample Dispatch & Tracking

• Coordinate timely dispatch of product samples to the USA and other designated locations.
• Track shipments and ensure successful sample delivery.
• Manage logistics for internal and external sensory evaluations.
• Maintain sample dispatch records and shipment documentation.

7. Marketing & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with QA, Regulatory, Procurement, Marketing, Sales, and R&D teams for product commercialization.
• Support product presentations, sample reviews, and launch activities.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and provide project updates.
• Ensure effective communication among stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Snacks, ready to eat, frozen food.

Travel

1. Travel is mandatory for this Job Profile

Required Education and Experience

1. A master’s or bachelor’s degree in food science/food technology
2. Basic Knowledge of food labeling and education.
3. Knowledge of lab techniques of analyzing different food products.
4. Good in MS word, excel, and power point.
5. Knowledge of GNP, GHP.

Preferred Knowledge

1. Knowledge of food product development processes.
2. Understanding sensory evaluation techniques and shelf-life studies.

Competencies

1. Teamwork.
2. Communication.
3. Consultation.
4. Ethical Practice
5. Problem Solving