Naga

Company Name:
Naga

Job Title:
New Product Development Manager

Job Location:
Dindigul Chennai Coimbatore

Description:

Department R&D (Research & Development)

Location Dindigul

Reports To Whole Time Director / Director R&D

Grade/Level Operational Leader

Employment Type Full-time

Job Summary
The Head – R&D is responsible for leading the research and development function to drive innovation, new product development, process improvements, and formulation enhancements. This role involves developing breakthrough products, optimizing production techniques, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving cost-efficient solutions. The position ensures that R&D strategies align with business objectives, consumer trends, and competitive market dynamics in an FMCG environment.

Roles & Responsibilities
1. R&D Strategy & Innovation

Develop and implement long-term R&D strategies to drive product innovation and improvement.
Identify emerging food trends, raw material innovations, and new technologies for competitive advantage.
Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to align R&D efforts with market demands.
2. New Product Development (NPD)

Lead end-to-end product development from ideation to commercialization.
Ensure timely execution of NPD projects while maintaining product quality and cost efficiency.
Conduct prototyping, sensory evaluation, and pilot-scale trials for new formulations.
3. Process Optimization & Cost Reduction

Improve manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Work on alternative ingredients and sustainable solutions to optimize product costs.
Collaborate with production teams to scale up lab-based R&D trials to full-scale manufacturing.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure new products meet FSSAI, FDA, and other global food safety regulations.
Maintain proper documentation for regulatory approvals, labeling, and ingredient declarations.
Work closely with the quality control team to maintain consistency and compliance.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Vendor Management

Coordinate with procurement teams for sourcing innovative raw materials and ingredients.
Work with marketing, sales, and consumer insights teams to align R&D with customer expectations.
Engage with external research institutions, universities, and industry partners for innovation.
6. Team Leadership & Development

Lead and mentor the R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Ensure continuous learning and skill development for R&D professionals.
Implement best practices in laboratory management, research methodologies, and data documentation.
7. Sustainability & Clean Label Initiatives

Develop sustainable and clean-label product formulations.
Identify eco-friendly packaging and alternative ingredient solutions.
Ensure reduction of food waste and energy efficiency in R&D processes.
Key Result Areas (KRAs)
Successful development and launch of innovative products.
Process improvements leading to cost efficiency and productivity enhancement.
Regulatory compliance and product safety standards adherence.
Effective cross-functional collaboration for market-driven R&D projects.
Sustainable and clean-label product innovations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Indicator Description
New Product Launch Success Rate Percentage of products launched on time and meeting quality standards.
R&D Cost Optimization Reduction in production costs through ingredient substitution and process improvement.
Compliance & Regulatory Approval Rate Timely approvals and adherence to food safety standards.
Shelf Life & Stability Performance Improvement in product shelf life while maintaining quality.
Innovation Pipeline Growth Number of new concepts in the research pipeline.
Sustainability Initiatives Implementation of clean-label and eco-friendly product solutions.
Competency Requirements
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking and vision for product innovation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in food science and technology.
Project management abilities to lead multiple R&D initiatives.
Collaboration and leadership skills for cross-functional teamwork.
Attention to detail and compliance with regulatory standards.
Technical/Functional Competencies
Expertise in food formulation, ingredient functionality, and sensory science.
Knowledge of food safety regulations (FSSAI, FDA, HACCP, GMP, etc.).
Experience in product shelf-life testing, packaging innovations, and stability studies.
Proficiency in lab equipment, analytical techniques, and R&D documentation.
Understanding of emerging trends in plant-based, organic, and health-conscious food products.
Educational Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Qualification Master’s Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field.
Preferred Qualification Ph.D. in Food Science / Certification in Product Development & Regulatory Affairs.
Experience 10+ years in R&D leadership roles within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
Behavioral Expectations
Innovative mindset to drive breakthrough product development.
Commitment to quality, safety, and compliance in all R&D activities.
Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.
Passion for sustainability and clean-label product advancements.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills to develop the R&D team.Role & responsibilities

Apply Here:  https://www.naukri.com/job-listings-new-product-development-manager-naga-dindigul-chennai-coimbatore-10-to-15-years-090525022541?src=sharedjd&utmCampaign=pwajd&utmSource=share