R&D Supervisor

II. JOB PURPOSE

The R&D Specialist drives the innovation and development of new Food/Bites products and the improvement of existing offerings, ensuring they align with the company's vision of providing affordable and high-quality products. This role involves researching market trends, experimenting with ingredients, and optimizing processes to enhance the product portfolio, while maintaining cost-efficiency and operational feasibility. The role also involves documentation of product specifications, storage guidelines, and reheating/preparation guidelines. The R&D Specialist also evaluates Food/Bites samples from third-party suppliers, and liaises with them in terms of product development and tech transfers.

III. KEY RESULTS AREAS WITH SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development

• Assist in research and development of new food items that meet market demands and customer preferences.
• Test and refine recipes to achieve the desired taste, quality, and consistency.
• Ensure all new products align with the company's vision and the company's branding.
• Evaluate Food samples submitted by third-party suppliers, liaise with them in terms of product improvements and tech transfers.

Menu Optimization

• Continuously evaluate and improve existing menu items based on customer feedback and sales data.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure optimized preparation processes for new and existing items.
• Streamline recipes to minimize waste and enhance operational efficiency.

Market and Trend Analysis

• Analyze industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitor offerings to identify innovation opportunities.
• Benchmark against competitors to ensure the company's products remain relevant and competitive.
• Translate insights into actionable product ideas and development strategies.

Supplier and Ingredient Research

• Collaborate with procurement teams to identify cost-effective, high-quality food products.
• Source and test new ingredients for feasibility and consistency in production.

Process Improvement and Documentation

• Assist in developing and documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new product preparation and rollout.
• Identify areas of improvement in the R&D process and implement best practices.
• Maintain detailed records of product testing and trials.
• Document approved product specifications, including storage & handling, and reheating instructions

Quality Assurance and Compliance

1. Collaborate with the quality management team to test the safety and shelf-life of products.

2. Collaborate with quality management team to address feedback or issues related to product quality promptly.

Administrative Tasks

• Generate detailed reports on R&D activities, product testing, and project timelines.
• Manage inventory of ingredients and materials required for testing and trials.
• Coordinate with other departments for product launch and rollout schedules.
• Accomplish tasks as instructed by the immediate supervisor

IV. OBJECTIVE KEY RESULTS

Product Development

● Assist in developing and launching at least four new products annually within the planned timeline.

● Ensure 100% of new products meet internal quality and operational standards before rollout.

Menu Optimization

● Complete optimization of at least five menu items annually.

Market and Trend Analysis

● Identify and validate at least three new trends annually for potential implementation.

● Incorporate 80% of actionable insights into R&D initiatives into product development plans.

Supplier and Ingredient Research

● Source and test at least five new ingredients annually.

● Ensure 100% compliance with quality standards for all approved ingredients.

Process Improvement and Documentation

● Develop and document SOPs for 100% of new products within one month of rollout.

● Implement at least three process improvements annually that enhance R&D efficiency or reduce costs.

● Ensure 100% of new workflows and processes are documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders within two weeks of implementation.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

● Ensure 100% of new products pass regulatory and safety checks before launch.

● Resolve 100% of product quality issues within 48 hours of identification.

V. COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of food and beverage product development processes.
• Familiarity with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality testing.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Creativity and innovation to develop unique and appealing product concepts.
• Analytical thinking for interpreting market data and testing results.
• Collaboration skills for working across departments, including procurement, quality assurance, and operations.
• Project management skills to handle multiple R&D projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail for precise documentation and testing.

VI. INTERACTIONS

Internal

External

• Food Development & Quality Management
• Operations Division
• RSQM
• Marketing Department
• Supply Chain Management
• Finance Department
• Department Heads
• IT Department
• Suppliers
• Vendors
• Customers

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Paid training

Work Location: In person