Chief Beverage Formulator

The role of Senior Food Scientist involves formulating, researching, testing and innovating beverage products. This position entails establishing R&D processes, managing external labs and suppliers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn concepts into commercially successful beverages.

• Key Responsibilities:
• Develop an innovation roadmap for beverages aligned with brand vision.
• Build and lead a research and development function comprising scientists, food technologists, and lab partnerships.
• Stay ahead of global beverage trends, functional ingredients, and health sciences.

• Key Skills and Qualifications:
• Formulate and optimize beverages for nutrition, flavor, cost, and shelf-life.
• Innovate with functional ingredients such as proteins, adaptogens, botanicals, natural sweeteners, probiotics, etc.
• Run pilot trials, sensory studies, and consumer testing before scaling.

• Compliance and Quality:
• Ensure FSSAI compliance for all products and validate nutrition/health claims.
• Manage food safety testing, certifications, and quality standards.

• Collaboration and Leadership:
• Partner with manufacturing units and co-packers to scale formulations.
• Solve for stability, packaging, and supply chain compatibility.

• Communication and Collaboration:
• Collaborate with Marketing on claims, positioning, and product storytelling.
• Work closely with Operations/Finance on cost optimization and sourcing.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or PhD in Food Technology, Food Science, or Nutrition, with expertise in food chemistry, sensory science, nutrition, and functional ingredients. Experience setting up or leading an R&D lab/team and strong leadership skills are also essential.