The Head of Research & Development will lead the Technical & Commercialization side of the R&D Department, focusing on the efficient management, commercialization, and scaling of food products. This role emphasizes overseeing the technical aspects of product development, from concept to commercialization, ensuring the success of projects while meeting food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards. The Head of R&D will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth execution of R&D projects and successful market delivery. J

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead commercialization and technology transfer for new and improved products.
• Oversee lab and batch trials, including shelf-life tests, ensuring food safety and quality.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef to define technical specs for new products and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of existing products and processes.
• Transfer technical knowledge to Training & Development for commissary and store rollout.
• Assess product feasibility with the IPM team from both technical and financial perspectives.
• Create and manage R&D calendar to align with product launch timelines.
• Evaluate and approve new raw materials for quality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Procurement and QA to assess and approve suppliers.
• Provide accurate initial costing for new and reformulated products.
• Conduct post-pilot and post-launch evaluations to support product refinement.
• Document all product information (QRGs, process instructions, material specs, BOMs in SAP).
• Maintain complete technical documentation for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in food product R&D, with a strong focus on commercialization
• Proven track record in end-to-end product development and successful market launches
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and quality systems
• Experience in lab and batch trials, shelf-life testing, and process validation
• Skilled in technical documentation and proficient in SAP (or similar systems)
• Experience in raw material evaluation and supplier accreditation
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership abilities
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to translate technical details for non-technical teams