Job Title

Head-R&D and Quality, Bengaluru

Location

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Experience

15-18 Years

About iD Fresh Food

iD was founded in 2005, to ensure that people around the world gets access to fresh, nutritious & delicious Indian food. With an unwavering vision to preserve traditional, home-made cuisine & a focus on making the process of cooking fun & effortless, iD today serves homes across India, Middle East, US and UK.

Funded by Premji Invest- Azim Premji’s Investment arm- and NewQuest, iD has been awarded certifications from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Jaivik Bharat under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

About the Operational Model 

As our product is different from others, so is our business model. All our fresh products are made for the day they are shipped to retail stores. We have zero finished goods inventory, and hence no intermediary stockists or transitory warehouses. This is possible only with the help of an inhouse fleet of vehicles and distribution personnel. Currently a fleet of 500+ dedicated vehicles and crew touch 30,000 retailers daily and replenish 100,000+ Kgs units of the freshest produce.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute the R&D and Quality strategy aligned with the overall business objectives.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to drive innovation, product development, and process improvements.
  • Provide guidance and direction to R&D and Quality teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Research and Development

  • Lead R&D initiatives to develop new food products, formulations, and recipes that meet consumer preferences, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including marketing, operations, and sales, to identify market opportunities and translate consumer insights into innovative products.
  • Manage product development projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

Quality Assurance and Control

  • Establish and maintain robust quality management systems and procedures to ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, GMP).
  • Implement quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, from raw material sourcing to finished product distribution.
  • Conduct regular audits, inspections, and testing to monitor product quality, identify non-conformances, and implement corrective actions.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Stay abreast of food safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

Team Development and Management

  • Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of R&D and Quality professionals, including food scientists, technicians, and quality assurance specialists.
  • Conduct training programs and workshops to enhance employee skills and knowledge in food science, quality management, and regulatory compliance.

Stakeholder Management

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, production, procurement, and supply chain, to ensure alignment of R&D and Quality initiatives with business goals.
  • Engage with external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies, to build strategic relationships and address quality-related issues.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows to showcase R&D innovations and quality assurance practices.

Key Requirements

Education: Masters/bachelor’s or advanced degree in food science, food engineering, Dairy or a related field.

Experience: 15-18 years of experience in R&D and quality management roles within the food manufacturing industry.

  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and industry standards (e.g., FSMA, SQF, BRC).
  • Proven track record of driving innovation in food product development, formulation, and commercialization.
  • Experience managing cross-functional teams and leading projects from concept to commercialization.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to continuous improvement and quality excellence and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Interested?

If this role sounds like you, then apply with us! You have plenty of room for growth at iD.

Apply Now