Associate Manager- Product Development

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