About the position
A leading manufacturer within the FMCG food sector is seeking a highly experienced Senior R&D Technologist with expertise in edible oils and fats to join its management team.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned food technology professional to lead innovation, drive product development, mentor technical staff, and contribute strategically to the continued growth of the business. The successful candidate will be a key member of the management team, working closely with Sales & Marketing, Operations, Production, Procurement, and Quality departments.
Applications are particularly encouraged from suitably qualified professionals based in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who have extensive experience within the edible oils, fats, margarine, shortening, bakery fats, or related FMCG food manufacturing industries.
Comprehensive relocation support including visa application assistance, flights, and accommodation support will be provided to the successful candidate.
Purpose of the Role:
The Senior R&D Technologist will be responsible for developing and improving food products and manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on edible fats and oils. The role requires a hands-on technical leader who can bridge innovation and commercial objectives while building R&D capability through coaching and mentoring of technical teams.
Reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing, COO, and Site Manager, the role will play a critical part in driving innovation, enhancing product quality, optimizing formulations, and ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Product Development:
- Lead product innovation projects from concept through to full-scale factory implementation
- Develop new products aligned with customer requirements and business strategy
- Reformulate existing products to improve quality, nutritional profile, functionality, and cost efficiency
- Conduct laboratory, pilot, and factory trials to validate formulations and manufacturing processes
- Translate laboratory formulations into commercially viable manufacturing processes
- Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, and market trends to enhance the product portfolio
- Conduct competitor benchmarking and ingredient functionality studies
Technical Leadership & Mentorship:
- Provide senior technical leadership within the management team
- Mentor, coach, and develop R&D and technical staff
- Promote a culture of innovation, food safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Act as the technical expert for edible oils and fats across the business
- Facilitate strong inter-departmental collaboration to achieve business objectives
Manufacturing & Process Improvement:
- Support production teams in troubleshooting formulation and process challenges
- Drive continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency, sustainability, and product performance
- Identify process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs
- Successfully implement new products into manufacturing environments
Customer & Supplier Engagement:
- Visit customers and participate in sensory evaluations
- Develop products that meet customer specifications and expectations
- Engage with new raw material and packaging suppliers
- Liaise with suppliers and regulatory bodies regarding ingredient approvals and technical requirements
- Provide technical input for customer presentations and commercial projects
Compliance & Documentation:
- Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory frameworks including FSSC 22000, HACCP, and Codex standards
- Develop and maintain formulations, specifications, SOPs, and technical documentation
- Maintain accurate trial records, validation reports, and change-control documentation
- Support quality assurance initiatives and regulatory compliance requirements
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Successful and timely delivery of new and reformulated products to market
- Reduction in formulation costs while maintaining product quality
- Reduction in process non-conformances
- Successful completion of R&D trials and product validations
- Ongoing compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements
- Continuous improvement of product performance and manufacturing processes
Requirements:
- Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science or Biotechnology
- Extensive experience within FMCG food manufacturing
- Significant experience in edible oils and fats product development will be highly advantageous
- Proven track record of delivering successful product innovation projects
- Strong knowledge of food safety systems, food legislation, regulatory requirements, and market trends
- Experience conducting factory trials, product validation, and commercial scale-up projects
- Strong analytical and technical problem-solving ability
- Experience working within cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
- Previous experience in a senior technical or leadership role preferred
Desired Skills:
- R&D
- FMCG
- Edibile oils and fats
- Innovation
- Factory processes
- Trials
- Food safety
- Regulatory requirements
- Quality
- New product development
Desired Work Experience:
- 5 to 10 years Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Desired Qualification Level:
