Research and Development Supervisor (Taguig)

Job Summary:
The Research and Development Supervisor leads the product development processes for BVA Group (pork products, seasonings and sauces). This position entails creating and designing new products that fulfill the company's goals and expectations. The supervisor's primary emphasis is on crafting innovative and optimized formulations that resonate with current market trends and are consistent with the company's brand

The role is tasked with facilitating the creation of new products by expanding laboratory trials to large-scale plant production. This includes validating various products - B2B and B2C (internal product needs, Modern Trade offerings, store brands, and branded products)

Key Responsibilities:

I. Product Development and Improvement:

• Develop and optimize new formulations for various product categories
• Continuously improve existing formulations by incorporating new ingredients, adjusting ingredient levels, or enhancing product performance based on customer feedback and market requirements.
• Facilitate the scaling of kitchen trials to manufacturing settings. This involves collaborating with Production to refine processes and ensure new products can be produced at scale.

II. Product Evaluation and Validation:

• Conduct sensory evaluation tests for the new and improved product, including assessments of its sensory characteristics and shelf life.
• Validate the various product lines to ensure that products meet all regulatory, quality, and consumer safety standards prior to market release.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with relevant food safety regulations and industry standards, staying updated on changes in legislation that could affect product development and production.

III. Troubleshooting and Technical Support:

• Identify and troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development, recommending appropriate modifications to achieve desired product attributes and stability.
• Provide technical support to Production, Sales and Marketing and customers, addressing inquiries and resolving formulation-related issues.

IV. Product Ideation:

• Lead the Blue-Sky new product ideation session fostering creativity, encouraging teamwork and guiding discussions to generate innovative ideas to be able to transform concepts into viable new product solutions that align with market needs and company goals.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancement, efficiency improvements, and innovative advancements in product development and manufacturing practices.

V. Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Business Center, QA/QC, and Operations, to align development efforts with business objectives.

VI. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain thorough documentation of all processes, findings, and validations. Prepare reports and presentations as necessary for stakeholders to provide updates on Product development and technology integration progress.
• Prepare monthly reports and Plan activities on a weekly basis for submission.

VII. Continuous Improvement and Training:

• Organize and oversee training sessions for sensory panelists twice a year. These sessions will focus on enhancing their skills and knowledge related to sensory evaluation techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared to assess product attributes effectively.
• Conduct training and awareness regarding different programs (HACCP, GMP, Food Safety and Food Allergen, etc.).

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in R&D within the food industry or related sector. Experience in a supervisory or leadership role is particularly valuable.
• Previous experience leading R&D projects

Special Skills:

• Experience with lab-scale experimentation, prototype development, and formulation optimization.
• Knowledge of product scaling processes and technology transfer
• Ability to analyze complex data and research findings to guide product development decisions, including statistical analysis and sensory evaluation techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively present ideas, reports, and updates to stakeholders at various levels, including senior management
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in product formulation, testing, and compliance documentation.