Technical Head

We are looking for an experienced Technical Head with extensive experience in New Product Development (NPD) and Quality Control (QC) within the food ingredient manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both developing innovative food products and ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained in production.

This leadership role will oversee the NPD and QC departments, driving technical excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and sales, to deliver new product innovations and maintain world-class quality across our product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development (NPD)

• Lead the development of new food ingredient products, from concept through to commercialization.
• Identify and evaluate new market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements to drive innovation in product offerings.
• Collaborate with R&D and marketing teams to design and develop prototypes that meet market needs, cost targets, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct feasibility studies, sensory evaluations, and performance testing to validate product concepts.
• Coordinate product scale-up and pilot production to ensure smooth transitions from lab to commercial production.
• Provide technical expertise in the formulation of food products and ensure proper documentation for regulatory compliance.

Quality Control (QC)

• Lead the QC department in ensuring all products meet internal and external quality standards, including regulatory and customer requirements.
• Develop and implement robust quality assurance programs and testing methodologies.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of specifications for raw materials, ingredients, and finished products.
• Monitor production processes to identify and mitigate quality risks, ensuring consistent product quality at every stage of manufacturing.
• Work with production teams to resolve any product defects or quality issues, providing technical solutions and process improvements.
• Establish and maintain quality control audits, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as ISO, HACCP, and GMP.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and mentor a team of NPD and QC professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Set clear goals and performance metrics for the NPD and QC teams, ensuring alignment with the organization’s business objectives.
• Provide training and development opportunities for staff to enhance their technical capabilities and industry knowledge.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with other departments, including procurement, production, and supply chain, to ensure successful product development and quality control.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Stay up-to-date with local and international regulations, ensuring that all new products comply with food safety standards, labeling requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Lead audits, inspections, and certifications related to product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present technical reports to senior management, outlining product performance, quality metrics, and improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in NPD and QC in the food ingredients manufacturing industry.
• Expertise:
  • Proven track record in leading product development projects and managing quality control processes in food manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EU regulations), and quality certifications (e.g., ISO, HACCP, GMP).
  • Experience in working with diverse ingredients and understanding the technical aspects of food formulation.
  • Familiarity with product scaling, from lab to commercial scale.
  • Strong leadership and team management experience, with a demonstrated ability to drive results through collaboration and innovation.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proficient in the use of software for product development, quality control, and project management.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.