R&D & Product Development Manager

Profile Overview :

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D and Product Development Manager with strong expertise in bakery ingredients, wheat flour technology, and product innovation. The role involves conducting lab-scale trials, developing new bakery products, optimising recipes, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring technical documentation. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Operations, and Quality to translate customer needs into successful commercial products.

Roles & Responsibilities :

- Conduct lab-scale trials for new bakery product development.

- Identify, evaluate, and source required ingredients for New Product Development (NPD).

- Optimise recipes for cost-effectiveness while ensuring continuous product improvement.

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

- Develop and standardise specifications for refined wheat flours and bakery products.

- Monitor and analyse laboratory test results; prepare detailed technical reports.

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

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

- Translate customer expectations into scalable manufacturing solutions.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on project goals and priorities.

Skills Required :

- Strong knowledge of bakery ingredients and their interactions.

- Understanding of the physical, chemical, and rheological parameters of wheat flour (maida).

- Hands-on experience with farinograph, alveograph, mixolab, and extensograph.

- Familiarity with food additives used in bakery and milling industries.

- Technical expertise in bakery products such as bread, buns, pizza, croissants, and noodles.

- Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.