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 relationshipSelf-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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

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