Product Development Team Leader

Job Category:

Research & Development

Job Family:

Applied Research & Development

Job Description:

This position will lead the Research & Development and New Product Development function for Schreiber Foods (Dairy & Beverages) a special emphasis on Cheese innovation. The role will be responsible for driving product innovation, process optimization, and technical excellence while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This position will play a pivotal role in strengthening market leadership by developing new cheese variants and dairy-based products aligned with consumer needs and business strategy.

What you’ll do:

Product Innovation & Development

• Lead the design, development, and launch of new cheese products (processed, natural, specialty, value-added).
• Drive innovation across the dairy & beverages portfolio including milk-based beverages, yogurt, and value-added dairy.
• Develop consumer-centric products based on market insights, trends, and sensory evaluation.
• Manage pilot plant trials, scale-up, and commercialization of new products.

Process & Yield Improvement

• Optimize cheese-making processes for higher yield, improved texture, and flavor consistency.
• Implement process technologies that reduce wastage and enhance operational efficiency.
• Work closely with plant operations to troubleshoot and improve manufacturing performance.

Research & Technology Leadership

• Stay abreast of global developments in cheese science, dairy technology, and functional ingredients.
• Build collaborations with universities, research institutes, and technology partners.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (automation, fermentation, cultures, enzymes).

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all products meet FSSAI, Codex, and international food safety standards.
• Establish robust testing, validation, and shelf-life protocols.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve issues in product stability and compliance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D and NPD team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful launch of X new cheese SKUs annually.
• Yield improvement % in cheese production.
• Reduction in salvage/wastage % through R&D interventions.
• Time-to-market efficiency for new products.
• Consumer acceptance scores and repeat sales for new launches

What you need to succeed:

• Master’s/PhD in Dairy Technology, Food Science, or Food Engineering.
• 15+ years of R&D and product development experience in the dairy industry, with at least 5+ years in cheese development/technology.
• Proven track record of leading NPD projects from concept to commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of cheese microbiology, fermentation, cultures, and dairy chemistry.
• Experience in managing pilot plants, scale-up, and industrial production trials.
• Exposure to international markets and consumer trends in dairy will be an advantage.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and consumer orientation.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.