R&D Specialist - Seasonings

About Us

As a leading provider of high-quality food and beverage ingredients, we work with farming communities across the globe to grow, source and produce ingredients that are good for consumers, farmers, and the world around us.  We supply household food brands and manufacturers worldwide with cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices ingredients which are often grown on our own farms and estates and sourced from hundreds of thousands of farmers across ~50 countries. Along with our diverse manufacturing and innovation capabilities, this means we can provide ingredients for a range of products, from a plant-based latte mix to an almond based snack bar or a dairy-free ice cream.  Making a positive impact on people and planet is a core component of our Purpose, to be the change for good food and a healthy future. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable, and transparent supply. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real. 

Product Information

Food & Beverage Solutions

We have launched a new platform called Food and Beverage solutions, part of our ingredients and solutions reporting unit. This platform consolidates our current category solutions capabilities and innovation infrastructure. We support customers in developing new consumer concepts and application solutions at our four customer solution centers in Amsterdam, Bangalore, Chicago, and Singapore.  Food and Beverage solutions leverages the strengths of our five product platforms, including their global and sustainable supply chain capabilities, a complementary portfolio of high-quality food and ingredients, and extensive ingredient expertise. This enables us to address a diverse range of customer requirements in the rapidly evolving Food and Beverage industry. Built on deep consumer, category, and application understanding, we are enhancing our application and R&D capabilities to provide an end-to-end integrated customer experience. This opens up more on-trend and inspired product ideation opportunities. Together, we can co-create product innovations that delight consumers and make your ambitions a reality.  

Job Title: Application Specialist – Blends and Seasonings

Location: Bangalore

Department: Innovation, Quality and Food Safety (IQFS)

Reports To: Application Lead

Job Summary: We are seeking a talented and innovative Application Specialist with expertise in spice blends and seasonings. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, particularly in the development and application of spice blends (such as masalas and curry powders) and seasonings (for snacks, noodles, meat marinades, sauces, dips, etc.). This role involves working closely with the Solution Developers, Quality Assurance, and Production teams to develop, optimize, and implement innovative solutions that enhance product quality and consumer appeal.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development: Develop and optimize spice blends (masalas, curry powders) and seasonings (for snacks, noodles, meat marinades, sauces, dips) using ofi’s ingredients. Work on the formulation and application of these products, ensuring proper flavor, aroma, and performance. Innovate and improve the stability and performance of seasoning ingredients, ensuring they maintain quality during processing and in final products.

Technical Expertise: Provide technical support and expertise on ingredient functionality, processing techniques, and product formulations related to spice blends and seasonings. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to product consistency, flavor, and stability in these products.

Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Solution Developers, Production, and Marketing to ensure alignment on product development goals and timelines. Work with suppliers to evaluate and select raw materials that meet performance requirements and cost parameters.

Work with 3P manufacturers and internal chefs to fine-tune blends and seasonings as per customer expectations. Collaborate with customers’ application teams to ensure product alignment with their needs.

Process Optimization: Identify and implement process improvements that enhance the efficiency and consistency of spice blend and seasoning production. Support scale-up activities from pilot plant to full-scale production, ensuring that product quality is maintained.

Quality Assurance: Develop and implement quality control measures specific to spice blends and seasoning products. Conduct sensory evaluations and stability testing to ensure products meet quality standards throughout their shelf life.

Customer Interaction: Visit customer facilities to conduct trials along with customers’ technical teams, ensuring that products meet their specifications and expectations.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of formulations, processing parameters, and experimental results. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and product specifications as required.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in the food industry, with a focus on spice blends and seasonings. Proven experience in product development and application of these products is highly desirable.

Technical Skills: Strong understanding of food chemistry and ingredient functionality, particularly in spice blends and seasoning systems. Experience with spice blends, seasoning technologies, and flavor systems. Familiarity with food processing equipment used in spice blend and seasoning manufacturing.

Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities with a creative approach to product development. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and reporting. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. A team player with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Work Environment: Laboratory and pilot plant settings with occasional exposure to production environments. Some travel may be required for supplier visits, trade shows, production support, and customer trials.

ofi is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to racial or ethnic origin, color, age, religion or belief, sex, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.