Assistant Manager - R&D Foods

Function - R&D Foods

Location - Mumbai - Kharghar

Reporting to - Senior Manager R&D, Spices and Staples

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Company Name

TATA CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Role/ Designation

Assistant Manager -R&D Foods

Global Grade

GG6A

Function / Dept

Global R&D

Reporting To

Senior Manager- R&D, Spices & Staples

No of Reportees

No role reporting

Place of Posting

Mumbai

Role objective:

• To execute and drive new product development ideas in the pipeline to support for the Packaged Foods Categories focused on spices, staples and premium categories for Tata Sampann, Tata Simply Better and emerging new value-added categories.
• Job holders will be responsible for development and delivery of Packaged Foods products across innovation, cost innovation and business support projects, under the supervision of Senior Manager- R&D.
• The role must work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to delivering the agreed NPD agenda for the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Senior Manager – R&D, Spices & Staples to deliver NPD initiatives:

• Accountable for executing all technical elements of the product development brief—including formulation, processing, consumer testing, shelf life evaluation, cost analysis, compliance, and safety—ensuring project milestones are met for timelines, costs, and consumer acceptance.
• Provide key support for project commercialization in partnership with marketing, operations, quality teams, and third-party collaborators.
• Design and manage stability study protocols for assigned projects.
• Liaise with Compliance and Analytical teams to ensure regulatory and company standards are fulfilled, with all necessary documentation maintained in the Specification Management System.
• Serve as a proficient user of R&D processes and digital systems such as Product Database (Innova/Mintel), Specification Management (SpecGenie), and Sensory Management (Redjade).
• Offer timely and relevant input to resolve process or product issues at manufacturing sites.
• Track and report on industry trends and innovations for potential inclusion in the innovation pipeline.
• Assess ingredient and packaging developments and advise the business on their implications and opportunities.
• Follow internal protocols and procedures, ensuring comprehensive technical documentation (e.g., RM specs, FG specs, trial protocols, reports) for all technical work undertaken.
• Oversee temporary staff and lab attendants as needed.

Qualifications and Essential Requirements

• Master’s degree in food science and technology or food engineering from a reputed institute.
• 4-6 years of experience in Foods R&D within leading FMCG organizations.
• Prior experience in food category development is highly desirable.
• Graduation/ Post graduation in food science / Food Technology or other related discipline
• Proven 1-2 years of experience working within product development / Innovation within FMCG organization
• Creative product development experience and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of formulation strategies and processing technologies.
• Good understanding of sensory evaluation, packaging and its interactions with product safety and acceptance through shelf life.
• Ability to multi-task and work at pace.