Junior Associate – New Product Development (NPD)

Junior Associate – New Product Development (NPD)

Location : Manda Plant, Sikar Department Research & Development (New Product Development)

Job Purpose To support the New Product Development team in the development, optimization, and commercialization of innovative dairy and beverage products. The role involves assisting in product formulation, conducting laboratory and pilot-scale trials, maintaining development records, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Manager – New Product Development in product formulation and recipe optimization for new and existing products.
• Prepare laboratory-scale samples as per the approved development plan and standard procedures.
• Conduct pilot-scale trials and support plant trials to evaluate product feasibility and process suitability.
• Accurately weigh, prepare, and process raw materials required for development trials.
• Record all formulation details, process parameters, observations, and trial outcomes in a systematic manner.
• Maintain proper documentation, including trial reports, batch records, formulation sheets, sensory evaluation reports, and development logs.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Packaging teams for successful execution of development activities.
• Support sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and product stability assessments.
• Assist in troubleshooting formulation and processing issues during product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, GMP, and laboratory safety practices.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, utensils, and work areas in clean and ready-to-use condition.
• Monitor inventory of laboratory chemicals, ingredients, consumables, and packaging materials, and raise indents as required.
• Support validation and scale-up activities during commercialization of new products.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing trial data and preparing presentations and reports.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, process efficiency, and innovation.
• Perform any additional assignments related to product development as directed by the reporting manager. -

Qualifications

• B.Tech./M.Tech. in Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or M.Sc. in Food Science/Food Technology.
• 0–2 years of experience in Product Development, R&D, or Dairy Processing (Freshers with relevant project experience may also be considered).

Required Skills

• Basic understanding of dairy processing and food formulation.
• Knowledge of laboratory practices and pilot plant operations.
• Understanding of food safety, GMP, GHP, and HACCP principles.
• Good documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Basic knowledge of food ingredients, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and processing aids.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work in laboratory, pilot plant, and production environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely execution of laboratory and pilot-scale trials.
• Accuracy and completeness of formulation and trial documentation.
• Successful support in product development and commercialization projects.
• Compliance with quality, food safety, and laboratory standards.
• Timely completion of assigned development activities.
• Effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Proper maintenance of laboratory equipment and records.

Working Conditions

• Based at Manda Plant with regular work in the R&D laboratory, pilot plant, and production areas.
• May require extended working hours during commercial trials or new product launches.
• Occasional travel to vendors, contract manufacturers, or other Lotus Dairy facilities, if required.