NPD Manager / Head

# NPD Manager / Head ## Company Overview Not specified. ## Job Summary We are seeking an experienced **NPD (New Product Development) Manager / Head** to lead the end-to-end development of innovative food products for a stealth-mode D2C food startup. The role involves working closely with the founder to develop, scale, and commercialize new food concepts that bring restaurant-style flavors to home kitchens. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food R&D, product development, and vendor management, contributing to the growth of a new-age food brand. ## Responsibilities - Lead **end-to-end product development** from concept creation, trials, scale-up, to product launch. - Manage **R&D activities** focusing on spices, seasonings, Ready-to-Cook (RTC), Ready-to-Eat (RTE), snacks, frozen foods, or nutraceuticals/functional foods. - Collaborate with third-party manufacturers and vendors to ensure quality, consistency, and timely delivery of products. - Drive innovation by developing new formulations and improving existing products based on market trends and consumer feedback. - Oversee product trials, scale-up processes, and commercialization strategies to ensure successful market entry. - Work directly with the founder and cross-functional teams to align product development with business goals and brand positioning. ## Qualifications - **5–10 years** of experience in **Food NPD / R&D**. - Strong expertise in **spices, seasonings, RTC, RTE, snacks, frozen foods, or nutraceuticals/functional foods**. - Proven experience managing **third-party manufacturers and vendors**. - **Food Technology qualification** mandatory; **NIFTEM graduates preferred**. - Demonstrated **project ownership** with a stable career track record. - Hands-on experience in **food product development and commercialization**. - Excellent **problem-solving, project management, and communication skills**. - Ability to thrive in a **fast-paced, early-stage startup environment**. ## Preferred Skills - Experience working with **new-age food startups**. - Knowledge of **scale-up processes** and **regulatory compliance**. - Familiarity with **market trends** in healthy, functional, or innovative food categories. - Strong network within the food manufacturing and vendor ecosystem. ## Experience - **5 to 10 years** of relevant experience in **food product development, R&D, or related fields**. - Experience in **category-specific** product development, especially in spices, seasonings, RTC, RTE, snacks, or nutraceuticals. ## Environment - The role is based in **Gurgaon (Sector 32)**. - The work environment is **fast-paced and dynamic**, typical of an early-stage startup. - Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external vendors. - The role may involve **office-based work** with potential for flexible arrangements depending on company policies. ## GrowthOpportunities - Opportunity to lead product innovation and development at a **high-growth startup**. - Potential to advance into senior leadership roles within the company's product and R&D divisions. - Involvement in building a **new-age food brand** with significant market impact. ## Benefits - Not specified.