Assistant Manager - R&D, Mini Meals

Function: Research & Development

Location: Bangalore

Reporting To: Associate Director – Mini meals

At Tata Consumer Products Ltd, we stand #Forbetter – Planet, Sourcing, Nutrition, Communities. And #ForBetter Opportunities …. Here’s an exciting one!

How does this Job align to our Strategy?

At the core of Tata Consumer Products' business approach lie six strategic pillars that serve as the foundation for its growth and success: Strengthening & Accelerating our Core Business, Driving Digital and Innovation, Unlocking Synergies, Creating a Future-Ready Organization, Exploring New Opportunities and Embedding Sustainability.

This job opportunity closely aligns with one of these key strategic pillars, which is Strengthening & Accelerating our Core Business. The role involves leading Foods Quality Assurance for all manufacturing facilities; own units as well as 3p operations; developing & managing vendors, periodic audits, inspection and testing for Foods products. Specification management, product and process risk assessment. QFS and compliance management for SAP Release Control, product manual and protocol set up.

Top dimensions:

Geography: India

Direct reports: NA

Complexity of the role (Optional):

This is a critical role regarding TCP ambition, this role will be responsible to manage and enhance the efficacy to delivery innovation mandate & manage the NPD laboratory, Pilot Plant etc.

Matrix Reports: NA

Type of Role: Individual Contributor

Primary Stakeholders (Optional):

Internal R&D team, Cross functional teams, Marketing, Quality, Regulatory team.

What are the Key Deliverables in this role?

Financial Outcomes

• Manage the assigned innovation portfolio for high complexity portfolio (Mini Meals) and business support from concept validation to commercialization in accordance with stage gate management and ensure fulfilment of business case, project deliverables of time, cost, and quality to the requirements and expectations of key stakeholders.

Ù Review project to understand Cost, schedules, potential issues and ensure effective on time communication of all projects related activities/plans and schedules with Internal/external stakeholders.

Customer Service :

1. Ù Horizon scanning for innovative ingredients and technologies.
2. Ù Generate new ideas in relation to product/ technology platforms aligned with business priorities
3. Ù Keep pace with emerging trends
4. Ù Leverage industry network / vendor base
5. Ù Use own creativity to develop new ideas and concepts
6. Ù Project categories will range from minor (e.g. flavor extension, Ingredients change) to major (e.g. disruptive innovation       projects or creating new categories).
7. Ù Coordinating within Cross functional teams (CFT) to ensure delivery as per agreed timelines.
8. Ù As required, manage different vendors – ensuring the appropriate confidentiality.
9. Ù Timely & Appropriate inputs for successfully resolving process / product issues at manufacturing locations.
10. Ù Key person responsible for collaboration with operations/ quality and 3rd party to commercialize projects
11. Ù Interacting with international NPD team to ensure knowledge share and application of common processes and systems.

Internal Processes

• Managing the end-to-end development process from concept to launch, ensuring complete visibility and traceability of work, this involves: - Conducting technical feasibility studies.
• Defining development strategy – in home/outsource/ combination.
• Executing plans along with prototypes to be tested with the consumers against the project schedule/timelines.
• Documenting ingredients and product specifications, and keeping accurate records of all bench-top, pilot plant and production trials.
• Inputting all key product design parameters.
• Initiating Shelf-life studies.

Innovation and Learning

•  Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
•  Working knowledge of using digital platforms for project management
•  Problem-solving: Although project managers may step in to handle significant problems, you should be prepared to work through and resolve minor issues without assistance.
•  Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential to work closely with team members and managers, and effectively manage problems as they occur.
•   Effective CFT management and collaboration/influencing skills- Managing several concurrent complex projects and rollouts

What are the Critical success factors for the Role?

• A degree in Food Science / Food Technology or other related discipline
• Creative product development experience (related to Breakfast cereals, Bakery, Confectionery) and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding on formulation strategies and processing technologies.
• Good understanding of sensory evaluation.
• Good understanding of packaging and its interactions with product safety and acceptance through shelf life.

What are the Desirable success factors for the Role?

• 8-10 years of industry experience, out of which at least 4 years of experience of new product development projects.
• Experience in managing and positively influencing internal customers (commercial).
• Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work at pace.