Research and Development Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research and Development (R&D) Associate is responsible for leading the innovation, creation, and improvement of food products in the commissary and cloud kitchen facility. This role involves developing new recipes, enhancing existing products, and collaborating with production, quality assurance, and procurement teams to ensure that products meet market demands, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness.

The R&D Associate also conducts research on new food technologies, ingredients, and processes to improve production efficiency and product quality while supporting the company's growth objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. New Product Development

• Lead the development and launch of new food products based on market trends, customer feedback, and company objectives.
• Collaborate with culinary teams and chefs to develop, test, and refine recipes.
• Manage product development from concept and prototype creation to testing and full-scale production.
• Ensure products meet food safety, quality, production feasibility, and cost requirements.

2. Recipe Standardization and Process Optimization

• Develop and document standardized recipes, ingredient specifications, preparation methods, and production procedures.
• Coordinate with production and quality assurance teams to ensure recipes can be scaled for mass production without compromising quality.
• Monitor ingredient costs and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Enhance existing recipes based on production feedback, cost analysis, and market performance.

3. Product Testing and Sensory Evaluation

• Conduct product trials and sensory evaluations to assess taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality.
• Perform shelf-life studies, particularly for frozen ready-to-eat products, and recommend formulation improvements.
• Gather feedback from internal stakeholders and customers to improve product offerings.

4. Market Research and Trend Analysis

• Monitor food industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging food technologies.
• Analyze competitor products and market data to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Research new ingredients, packaging materials, and food processing technologies.

5. Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work with procurement to source suitable, high-quality, and cost-effective ingredients.
• Coordinate with production and operations teams to ensure product feasibility and readiness for mass production.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams during product launches and promotional activities.

6. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure product development complies with applicable food safety regulations, quality standards, and labeling requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, ingredient lists, nutritional information, and processing parameters.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance (QA) team to maintain product safety and consistency.

7. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Develop innovative products and improve existing product lines.
• Explore new processing methods and ingredients to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
• Identify ways to reduce food waste and promote environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of a Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or any related field.
• Preferably with experience in Research and Development, food product development, recipe formulation, or food manufacturing.
• Knowledgeable in recipe standardization, ingredient costing, product testing, and sensory evaluation.
• Familiar with food safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and food labeling requirements.
• Experience in shelf-life testing, frozen food products, or ready-to-eat meals is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work collaboratively with culinary, production, quality assurance, and procurement teams.
• Detail-oriented, innovative, and capable of handling multiple product development projects.
• Proficient in documentation and basic computer applications.
• Must be willing to work and be assigned in Taguig City, Metro Manila.