Associate Manager- Product Development

Job description

The incumbent will be responsible for leading lab-scale trials and driving new product innovation in the food industry, especially in bakery applications. The role involves end-to-end product development, ingredient sourcing, cost optimisation, technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Operations and Quality teams. Roles & Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-scale trials for new product development
• Identify, evaluation and source required ingredients for NPD initiations
• Optimise recipes for cost-effectiveness and ensure continuous product improvement
• Provide training and technical support to junior staff and marketing teams
• Develop and standardise specifications for various types of refined wheat flours
• Monitor laboratory analyses, interpret test results and prepare detailed 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
• Understand customer expectations and translate them into manufactured goods
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on project goals and priorities

Requirements

• 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
• Understanding of FSSAI regulations and compliance norms
• Knowledge of flour milling technology
• Awareness of wheat varieties specific to the Indian subcontinent