Process Development Specialist

Technical Project & Processing Leader - Foods, South Asia

Job Title: Assistant Process Development Lead/Senior Process Development Specialist

Category: Packaged Foods (HUL Foods)

Location: Unilever R&D Bangalore

Main Job Purpose:

The current role entitles work on process development for packaged foods category working with brands like Kissan, Knorr & Hellmann's. The incumbent will be responsible for process development for a wide range of products like emulsified sauces (mayonnaise), non-emulsified sauces (ketchup, dipping & cooking sauces), cooking pastes (IMF & Retorted formats) and sweet spreads (jam/peanut butter).

JOB SUMMARY & CORE RESPONSIBILITY:

Process Development

• The incumbent will be responsible for driving Process Development working alongside formulation development team to deliver innovation, renovation or cost efficiency projects meeting the brief.

• Innovate with new ingredients, flavors, and textures to meet evolving consumer demands.

• Conduct experiments and pilot trials to validate process feasibility.

• The Incumbent will be responsible for processing projects / work streams to create novel process-led product innovations which meet consumer needs.

Scale-Up & Commercialization

• Translate lab-scale formulations into scalable manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate with factory & supply chain teams to ensure smooth scale-up and consistent product quality.

• Troubleshoot process issues during trials and production runs.

• Ensure adoption of Core Process & Equipment Design principles as well as Hygienic Design Principles while landing innovations &/or new manufacturing site/line

• He / She will be providing inputs for all technical upgrades on process improvements in supply chain with an aim to minimal/zero impact on existing product line.

• To support site to site product transfers/stabilizations through providing key insight of product and its characteristics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• The Incumbent will be responsible for partnering with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain/Procurement/Central Quality) to deliver relevant business critical activities involving processing support like development of new manufacturing site/lines, capacity enhancement projects, new raw material development, process optimization/standardization for product quality improvement

• Align process development with brand positioning and consumer insights.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure processes meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

• Document process parameters, validations, and modifications for traceability.

Eco-system Collaboration

• Engagement with external parties (Universities, research agencies and patterners, ingredient and technology partners) for efficient Process/Technology development for delivering business deliverables.

Consumer-Centric Development

• Conduct sensory evaluations and incorporate feedback into process adjustments.

• Monitor market trends and consumer preferences to guide process innovation.

Sustainability & Efficiency

• Explore sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly processing methods.

• Optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency.

Key Interfaces: Supply Chain (Local & Global), Procurement, Quality, R&D team

Key Skillsets:

• Strong foundation in unit operations, food science/engineering, or process technology.

• Experience with pilot plant operations, scale-up techniques, and manufacturing systems.

• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and regulatory frameworks.

• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Expertise on Data visualization (e.g., dashboards for process KPIs), Simulation and modelling of food processes & Mathematical modelling for process optimization will be preferred

General Skills/Competencies:

Excellent communication skills & influencing ability, both internal as well as external. Strong networking, organization, planning skills and information management. Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholder relationship Self-motivating with high problem-solving focus

Professional Background:

B. Tech/M. Tech in Chemical Engineering, Food Technology/Engineering or related discipline. 5-8 years of work experience in reputed FMCG companies like Nestle, Tata Consumer Science, Heinz etc. Working knowledge/Expertise on emulsion-based products like mayonnaise, salad dressings is preferred Should be able to accommodate occasional 2 to 5 nights travel.

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