What are the Key Deliverables in this role?

Financial Outcomes

• Drive and execute the new product development ideas in the pipeline to support for the Staples, Spices, Dry fruits and Cold Pressed oils Categories focused on Tata Sampann, Tata Simply Better, Tata Soulfull etc. and emerging new value-added categories in both B2B and B2C businesses at TCPL. 
• Support the NPD strategy for Foods Staples business and ensure robust product pipeline under the supervision of vertical lead which would help to increase the overall B2C category revenue
• Lead the cost innovation projects for the Foods category to achieve the target cost saving initiatives and outcomes

Customer Service

• Lead the product development for Spices and Staples as per provided product briefs by business teams
• Support product cost improvement projects by identifying opportunities in the current business and thereby improving the margins and the company bottom line.
• Identify new vendors and develop / adapt new technologies, materials and processes as part of development initiatives.
• Liaise with cross functional teams for effective executions project work tracks by representing R&D in CFT forums
• Responsible for delivering all technical aspects of the process/ technology lead initiatives for Foods category & related projects, meeting the targets on timeline, cost, business expectations and consumer acceptance.
• Create product and process specifications including the Technology transfer document/ manufacturing protocol on the prescribed templates/ Specification Management System

Internal Processes

• Support NPD strategy of Spices and Staples to enable delivering incremental revenues through product and process innovations, drive efficiencies and simplifications.
• Be an expert user on R&D processes & systems, Specification management tool (PLM) and Sensory management tool (Red jade), Vega 2.0, AI tool etc.
• Projects lead to commercialize projects with marketing /operations/ quality and 3rd party
• Interact with stakeholders in Compliance and Analytical to ensure regulatory requirements are met and required documentation made in the Specification Management System.
• Monitor and report on industry trends and innovations for inclusion in the innovation funnel by leveraging AI tools
• Assessment of ingredient and packaging trends and advise implications and opportunities to the business.
• Adhere to Internal processes and procedures and ensuring proper technical documentation (RM specs/FG specs/Trial protocol & reports) of all the technical work carried out

Innovation and Learning

• Keep up to date with F&B trends, technology landscape, competitor development and consumer and customer expectations
• Generate new ideas in relation to process/ technology platforms aligned with business priorities
• General upkeep of the NPD laboratory, Storage areas and Pilot plant with assistance, wherever required
• Management of temporary resources and lab attendants, wherever required

What are the Critical success factors for the Role?

• Master’s in food science and technology / food engineering from a reputed institute
• 3-7 years of professional experience in Foods R&D in Top FMCG organizations
• Experience in development of Spices and Staples category is highly desirable mainly in Pure and Blended Spices, Seasonings, Pulses, Flours, Oils, rice-based products etc. for domestic as well as export markets like USA, Canada, Australia etc.
• Candidates with experience in processed foods with technologies like Extrusion, Milling, Roasting, Extraction technology will be added advantage.

What are the Desirable success factors for the Role?

• Creative product/ process development experience and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of product and process concepts through product prototypes, process flows, category understanding
• Flexible for travelling 40% of time to manufacturing sites, supplier facilities all over India
• Good understanding of Spices, Staples categories with customer first approach
• Analytical skills and attention to detail and ability to multi-task and work with agility
• Experience in managing and positively influencing internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills