R&D Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven R&D Manager to lead product development and process innovation at our food processing unit in Hyderabad. The ideal candidate should have prefferably hands-on expertise in Extrusion technology (RTE snacks, breakfast cereals, textured vegetable protein, pellets, or plant-based meat analogues). You will be responsible for driving new product development (NPD), optimizing extrusion processes, scaling up from lab/pilot to commercial production, and delivering products that meet consumer trends, cost targets, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development & Innovation (NPD):

• Lead end-to-end development of new products using Extrusion including extruded snacks, breakfast cereals, TVP/soya chunks, pellets, and plant-based protein products.
• Develop product formulations (flours, starches, proteins, hydrocolloids, seasonings) to achieve desired texture, expansion, density, color, and nutritional profile.
• Benchmark competitor products and translate consumer insights into commercially viable product concepts.
• Drive cost optimization (RM cost reduction, recipe rationalization) without compromising quality.

2. Extrusion Process Development & Scale-Up:

• Conduct pilot-scale trials and successfully scale up formulations from lab to pilot to full commercial production.
• Troubleshoot extrusion process issues (expansion, texture, cook degree, throughput) and implement corrective solutions.

3. Sensory, Shelf-Life & Nutritional Validation:

• Conduct sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies on extruded products.
• Validate nutritional claims (protein content, fiber, sugar reduction, clean label) through analytical testing.
• Ensure products comply with FSSAI regulations and nutritional labeling requirements.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with QA, Production, Procurement, and Marketing teams to ensure smooth product commercialization.
• Coordinate with suppliers for new ingredients, flavors, and packaging materials.
• Support regulatory documentation and product approval processes.

5. Documentation, IP & Team Management:

• Maintain detailed trial records, formulation sheets, and process specifications (BOM, PFD, SOPs).
• Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team (food technologists, technicians).
• Support patent filings and IP documentation where applicable.
• Manage R&D budgets, lab/pilot plant resources, and project timelines.

Key Requirements (Must-Have)

• Education: M.Tech / M.Sc. / Ph.D. in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 4 to 8 years of R&D experience in the Food Processing industry, with a minimum of 3-5 years specifically working on Extrusion products (Snacks, Cereals, TVP, or Plant-Based Proteins).
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of extrusion science screw configuration, SME, die design, moisture management, and their impact on product texture and expansion.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of FSSAI regulations, nutritional labeling, and food safety standards.
• Scale-Up Experience: Proven track record of scaling products from lab/pilot to commercial extrusion lines.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong creative and analytical mindset with a passion for food innovation.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical analysis.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.