Product Development lead – Sweets

Job Title: Product Development lead Sweets

Location: Customer Solutions Centre, Bangalore, India

Company: Olam Food Ingredients

About Us: Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) is a global leader in food and beverage ingredients, with a strong presence in cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices. We are committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality products to our customers worldwide.

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and innovative product development lead for categories such as Chocolates & confectionary solutions, powder-based premixes (bakery and beverages) and experience in baked goods category. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science and technology with at least 15 plus years of experience in product development and application within the chocolate industry. A masters degree in food science / chemical engineering will be preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and application of new chocolates, premixes and baked goods from concept to commercialization.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production, to ensure successful product launches.
3. Conduct market research and analyze consumer trends to identify new product opportunities.
4. Develop and optimize chocolates, premixes and baked good formulations to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
5. Manage pilot plant trials and scale-up processes to ensure product consistency and quality.
6. Provide technical support to customers, including troubleshooting and problem-solving.
7. Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
8. Mentor and train junior team members, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

1. Masters degree in food science, Food Technology, or a related field; Masters degree preferred.
2. Minimum of 15 years of experience in chocolate product development and application.
3. Strong knowledge of chocolate processing, ingredient functionality, and formulation techniques.
4. Excellent project management and organizational skills.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Passion for innovation and a commitment to quality.

Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities with a creative approach to product development. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and reporting. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. A team player with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Work Environment: Laboratory and pilot plant settings with occasional exposure to production environments. Some travel may be required for supplier visits, trade shows, or production support.