Head of Food R&D (Research & Development Technologist)

Position Title: Head of R&D – Food Division

Department: Research & Development

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Director of Operations

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview

The Head of Food R&D will lead the Research & Development department, overseeing the innovation, development, and optimization of food products. This role is responsible for transforming consumer insights, nutritional science, and market trends into commercially viable products that align with the company’s strategic objectives. The ideal candidate is both a hands-on food technologist and a visionary leader who can manage projects, people, and processes to deliver innovation at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and implement the R&D strategy in alignment with company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of food technologists, nutritionists, and lab staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.

Product Development & Innovation

• Oversee the ideation, formulation, testing, and scaling of new food products.
• Ensure product compliance with nutritional, sensory, regulatory, and safety standards.
• Manage prototype creation, sensory evaluations, and shelf-life testing.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Production to translate consumer needs into successful products.

Technical & Operational Excellence

• Supervise raw material evaluation, ingredient functionality, and supplier technical audits.
• Lead process optimization for cost, efficiency, and quality improvement.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation (specifications, formulations, SOPs, etc.).
• Oversee regulatory compliance, certifications, and food safety requirements (HACCP, ISO, Halal, etc.).

Project & Resource Management

• Prioritize and manage multiple R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Develop and control departmental budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Build strong partnerships with external labs, universities, and industry collaborators.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or related field.
• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive experience in food product development, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of launching successful food products from concept to market.
• Strong understanding of food processing technologies, sensory science, and quality systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (local and international).
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Creative innovator with scientific and technical expertise.
• Hands-on problem solver with attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Rs150,000.00 - Rs300,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 3–5 years of experience leading a food R&D team?
• Do you hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field?

Work Location: In person