Freelance FMCG Consultant

Freelance FMCG Consultant (Ice Cream Manufacturing Project) Type: Contractual / Freelance Location: Remote with site visits as required - Kolkata Duration: 6 months project-based Reporting To: Founding Team / Project Director About the Project We are exploring opportunities within the frozen dessert and ice cream segment, with an emphasis on developing high-quality products backed by strong operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and scalable brand strategy. The initiative is envisioned to align with FSSAI and BIS standards while positioning for both domestic and international markets. To support this vision, we are seeking an experienced FMCG Consultant (Contractual Basis) with a strong background in food manufacturing setup, operational planning, and compliance —preferably in the dairy, frozen food, or confectionery sectors. The ideal candidate would also have the potential to transition into a leadership or CXO-level role upon the successful rollout of the brand. Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Setup Advise on end-to-end setup of the ice cream manufacturing unit — layout, capacity planning, equipment selection, vendor identification, and utility requirements. Prepare and review project feasibility reports , cost estimations, and ROI models. Recommend best practices for hygiene, workflow design, and quality assurance in line with FSSAI and BIS standards. Regulatory & Compliance Guide on all licensing and certification requirements — including FSSAI (State/Central), Pollution Control Board, Factory Licence, Fire & Safety, and local municipal approvals. Ensure compliance with IS 2802:2022 , FSSAI Dairy Product Standards, and food safety audits. Process Development Assist in standardizing formulations, raw material sourcing , and production SOPs for ice cream and related frozen desserts. Recommend equipment specifications (mixing, pasteurization, homogenization, aging, freezing, cold storage, and packaging lines). Vendor & Supply Chain Advisory Identify reliable vendors for machinery, refrigeration, packaging, and raw materials. Advise on establishing a cold chain logistics network for procurement and distribution. Quality & Safety Develop a Quality Control and Assurance (QC/QA) framework, including testing protocols, record keeping, and microbial testing schedules. Implement food safety systems like HACCP/ISO 22000 (if applicable). Operational Optimization Recommend cost-effective solutions for power, water, waste management, and manpower planning. Provide a roadmap for scaling production, optimizing costs, and achieving sustainable operations. Reporting & Documentation Prepare detailed reports, documentation templates, and SOPs. Present progress reports to the management team on milestones and key deliverables. Key Deliverables Complete feasibility report and project plan Detailed machinery and vendor recommendation report Compliance roadmap (FSSAI, BIS, PCB, Factory Licence, etc.) SOPs for production, hygiene, and quality assurance Final operational setup and commissioning guidance Qualifications Bachelor’s/Master’s in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 8–15 years of experience in FMCG/Food Processing Industry , with at least 3 years in ice cream, frozen desserts, or dairy manufacturing setup. Proven experience in plant setup, operations optimization, and quality/regulatory compliance. Familiarity with Indian food standards (FSSAI, BIS, ISO 22000, HACCP). Strong network of equipment vendors and suppliers within the FMCG domain. Skills Required Technical understanding of ice cream manufacturing process Project management and vendor coordination Regulatory and documentation expertise Costing, budgeting, and feasibility analysis Strong communication and presentation skills Ability to work independently and deliver within timelines Contract Terms Engagement: Freelance / Project Basis Duration: 6 months Compensation: Negotiable – based on experience and deliverables Mode of Work: Hybrid (Remote + Site Visits as required) Deliverable-Based Payment Structure