Associate Manager - Product Development

Position Overview :

We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Associate Manager - Product Development to join our R&D team. The role focuses on new product development (NPD), recipe optimization, quality assurance, and ingredient innovation within the food and ingredient industry. The candidate will play a pivotal role in taking concepts from lab-scale trials to commercial roll-out, ensuring products meet cost, quality, and customer expectations.

Key Roles & Responsibilities :

Product Development & Innovation:

Conduct lab-scale trials to design, test, and refine new products.

- Identify, evaluate, and source required ingredients for NPD initiatives.

- Optimize recipes for cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.

- Drive continuous product improvement and process enhancements.

Quality & Standards:

Develop and standardize specifications for different types of refined wheat flours and related products.

- Design and implement testing protocols for raw materials and finished goods.

- Monitor laboratory analyses, interpret results, and ensure products meet quality benchmarks.

Documentation & Reporting:

Document all phases of the R&D process from concept to commercial roll-out.

- Prepare detailed technical reports, trial summaries, and test result interpretations.

- Maintain accurate and compliant records for product formulations and specifications.

Training & Collaboration:

Provide technical support and training to junior staff and marketing teams.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, supply chain, and operations to align on project goals.

- Understand customer requirements and translate them into viable, market-ready products.

Requirements :

- 3+ years of experience in R&D within the food industry.

- CFTRI graduates only will be considered.

- Proven experience in new product development, recipe formulation, and ingredient sourcing.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with hands-on lab experience.

- Knowledge of flour technology, food chemistry, and ingredient functionality.

- Ability to design testing protocols and interpret lab test results.

- Strong communication skills to work with technical and non-technical teams.

Key Skills & Competencies :

- Expertise in food product development and formulation.

- Strong knowledge of ingredient functionalities (especially refined wheat flour).

- Excellent project management and cross-team collaboration skills.

- Analytical mindset with attention to detail.

- Ability to balance innovation with cost-effectiveness.