Product Developer

We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Food Product Developer to join OBFS (Own Brands & Food Solutions) team, a leading player in the consumer (CPG) industry. This role is critical in developing food products that meet consumer demands for quality, taste, nutrition, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in food science and a passion for creating products that delight our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Consumer-Driven Product Innovation: Identify opportunities for new product development through market research in collaboration with brand team and use these insights to generate innovative product ideas that align with the company's brand vision
• Food Product Formulation, development and process improvement: Manage the entire process of formulating new food products till commercialisation. This involves managing the ecosystem of internal and external stakeholders involved from creating recipes, selecting ingredients, and optimizing the formulation for taste, cost and manufacturability for consistent product quality. Design and conduct sensory evaluations, analyze data to drive formulation and process optimization.
• Technical Guidance and Support: Provide expert technical advice to the Sourcing team and suppliers on all aspects of product development. This includes product requirements, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring that all project goals are met efficiently. This role serves as a key technical liaison between internal teams and external partners.
• Project Management: Manage new product development timelines, budgets and documentation from translating concept brief to qualifying formulation and manufacturing partners to deliver end outcome. Clearly communicate progress, findings and recommendations to stakeholders
• Supplier and Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with suppliers and external stakeholders to design and manufacture products to meet the product design requirements and quality standards. This involves effective communication and relationship management to ensure successful partnerships.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance: Work in close collaboration with the Quality Assurance team and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that all products meet stringent safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This includes ensuring compliance with industry regulations and country-specific requirements, safeguarding product integrity, and consumer safety.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Food Science/Technology, Food/Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience in food product development, with 5+ years in a management role and experience working with the ecosystem to launch new products.
• Skills:
• Proficiency in product recipe development, experimental design, data analysis, problem-solving, project management
• Understanding of food safety management systems (HACCP, GFSI), manufacturing processes, and process control.
• Experience with flavor application, recipe development with chefs and suppliers
• Familiarity with food labeling regulations (local and international).
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements.
• Awareness of sustainability trends in the food industry.
• Preferred: Candidates with regional experience are preferred.

Personal characteristics and behavior

• Curious, proactive and champion the voice of the consumer translating to final product outcome
• High degree of self management and a team player, drives to perform, enterprising individual and excellent communication skills
• Create a positive work environment and build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills

NOT APPLICABLE