DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development & Formulation:

• Lead the ideation, creation, and formulation of new beverage products on market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive analysis.
• Develop innovative recipes that meet quality standards, nutritional guidelines, and cost-effectiveness goals.
• Continuously refine and improve existing products, using consumer feedback, market research, and internal performance data.

Research & Innovation:

• Conduct extensive research on emerging ingredients, flavor trends, production techniques, and sustainable practices to ensure products meet current and future market demands.
• Explore functional beverages, health-focused innovations, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., reducing sugar, using natural preservatives).

Product Testing & Quality Assurance:

• Lead sensory evaluation sessions to assess taste, texture, aroma, and visual appeal, working closely with the quality assurance team to ensure consistency.
• Conduct stability studies to ensure product integrity throughout its shelf life.
• Oversee pilot-scale production trials to test product viability before full-scale manufacturing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to ensure new products align with brand identity, target consumer segments, and market positioning.
• Work with the production team to optimize manufacturing processes and resolve any challenges related to product scalability, texture, or taste.
• Coordinate with the procurement team to identify, source, and select high-quality ingredients that meet product specifications.

Project Management & Documentation:

• Lead and manage R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery of product milestones and adherence to budget and timeline constraints.
• Maintain detailed records of product formulations, ingredients, testing protocols, and changes throughout the development process.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior management, documenting progress, challenges, and key milestones.

Cost Control & Efficiency:

• Work with the finance team to evaluate the cost of goods for new products, ensuring that formulations are cost-efficient and meet pricing strategies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce production costs while maintaining product quality and integrity.
• Investigate and propose solutions for streamlining R&D processes and shortening time-to-market.

Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability:

• Ensure all product formulations comply with local and international food safety regulations, including ingredient sourcing, nutritional claims, and labeling requirements.
• Stay up-to-date with evolving regulations and industry standards, adapting R&D processes as necessary to ensure compliance.

Continuous Improvement:

• Foster a culture of innovation by staying abreast of new trends in the food and beverage industry, identifying opportunities for the company to lead in new product categories.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior R&D staff, building a strong team capable of managing complex projects.

Consumer & Market Insights:

• Use market research, focus groups, and consumer feedback to understand customer preferences, emerging trends, and unmet needs within the beverage sector.
• Work with the marketing team to ensure new products resonate with target consumer segments and drive brand growth.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a similar R&D role within the soft drinks, juice, or beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of food formulation, ingredient functionality, and production processes.
• Proven track record of launching new products or improving existing product lines.
• Creative and independent thinker with a passion for innovation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.