We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary qualified to lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance (R&D;/QA) efforts in the food manufacturing sector. This role is responsible for developing and implementing high-impact strategies for product and process innovation, quality control, regulatory compliance, and technical support across all manufacturing units. The candidate will play a key role at the policy-making level, ensuring alignment of food safety, quality, and innovation with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product & Process Development

- Lead new product development (NPD) initiatives from concept to commercialization.
- Drive process optimization and product upgradation based on market trends, cost-effectiveness, and customer feedback.
- Conduct sensory and flavor profiling, compatibility studies, and shelf life evaluation.

2.

Quality

Assurance & Control

- Develop, implement, and update quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) systems, SOPs, and specifications across all plants.
- Oversee audits (internal and external), ensure regulatory and food safety compliance (FSSAI, ISO, HACCP, BRC, etc.).
- Investigate and resolve product non-conformance issues and customer complaints.

3.

Strategic

Leadership

- Contribute to policy formulation on food safety, quality, and R&D; standards.
- Collaborate with senior leadership on long-term innovation roadmaps and quality frameworks.
- Represent the company in technical forums, industry bodies, and standard-setting committees.

4. Supplier & Plant Development

- Evaluate and develop raw material suppliers, ensure adherence to quality benchmarks.




- Participate in factory layout planning, process scale-up, and technology transfer from lab to production.
- Provide technical guidance during commissioning of new facilities or lines.

5.

Consumer

Research &

• Sensory Science

- Plan and interpret consumer research and preference studies to guide product positioning.
- Integrate sensory science into R&D; workflows for better consumer-centric product development.

Skills &

• Competencies

Technical Skills

- Strong foundation in food science, food technology, or related disciplines.
- Expertise in product formulation, shelf life studies, sensory evaluation, and food processing techniques.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety laws, quality standards, and regulatory frameworks (FSSAI, ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC).

Managerial &

• Strategic Skills

- Proven ability to develop policies and frameworks in R&D;/QA at a senior level.
- Strong project management, budgeting, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Experience in plant design, process scale-up, and technical transfer from lab to production.

Analytical &

• Research Skills

- Proficient in data analysis, statistical process control, and experimental design.
- Ability to interpret consumer insights and translate them into technical development.

Communication &

• Collaboration

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor management.
- Ability to lead and mentor multi-disciplinary teams.

Educational Qualifications

- M.Tech / M.Sc / Ph.D. in Food Technology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, or related fields.

📌 Product Development Executive (Bengaluru)
🏢 ITC
📍 Bengaluru