R&D Specialist

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

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

Menu Optimization

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

Market and Trend Analysis

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

Supplier and Ingredient Research

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

Process Improvement and Documentation

1. Assist in developing and documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new product preparation and rollout.
2. Identify areas of improvement in the R&D process and implement best practices.
3. Maintain detailed records of product testing and trials.
4. 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.

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

Administrative Tasks

1. Generate detailed reports on R&D activities, product testing, and project timelines.
2. Manage inventory of ingredients and materials required for testing and trials.
3. Coordinate with other departments for product launch and rollout schedules.
4. 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

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

VI. INTERACTIONS

Internal

External

1. Food Development & Quality Management
2. Operations Division
3. RSQM
4. Marketing Department
5. Supply Chain Management
6. Finance Department
7. Department Heads

8. IT Department

9. Suppliers

10. Vendors
11. Customers