Job Title:  Head of Research & Development (R&D) Job Summary The Head of R&D will lead the development of innovative food products, improve formulations, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards. This role is responsible for driving product innovation, cost optimization, quality enhancement, and aligning R&D strategies with business goals. Job Description Product Development & Innovation Lead the development of new food products from concept to commercialization Identify market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies Develop formulations, recipes, and processes for new products Improve existing products for quality, shelf-life, and cost efficiency Research & Strategy Define and execute the company’s R&D strategy aligned with business objectives Conduct research on ingredients, processing technologies, and packaging innovations Collaborate with marketing and sales teams for new product ideas Regulatory & Compliance Ensure all products comply with local and international food regulations Maintain documentation for product approvals and audits Oversee labeling, nutritional information, and ingredient compliance Quality & Process Improvement Work closely with Quality Assurance and Production teams Optimize manufacturing processes and scale-up from lab to production Ensure consistency, safety, and quality standards Team Leadership Lead and mentor the R&D team Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement Manage budgets, resources, and project timelines Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with procurement for ingredient sourcing Support operations in troubleshooting production issues Engage with external vendors, research institutions, and consultants Key Requirements Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or related field PhD is a plus Experience 10–15+ years in food processing or FMCG industry Proven experience in product development and team leadership