Manager, R&D Beverage

Job description

Job Description WHAT YOU’LL CHAMPION: Product Development & Innovation Lead end-to-end beverage product development from ideation, formulation, testing, commercialization, and post-launch review. Develop innovative beverage concepts aligned with market trends, customer preferences, and Santan’s brand strategy. Create and improve hot, cold, ready-to-drink, and functional beverage offerings across multiple channels. Conduct sensory evaluations, benchmarking, and product optimization to ensure product excellence. Commercialization & Operational Excellence Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and QA teams to ensure smooth product implementation and scalability. Translate product concepts into commercially viable products while maintaining cost efficiency and operational practicality. Support launch readiness including SOP development, training materials, and product documentation. Ensure beverage formulations meet shelf-life, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Supplier & Stakeholder Management Collaborate with ingredient suppliers and manufacturing partners for sourcing, trials, and innovation opportunities. Manage supplier evaluations, ingredient testing, and technical discussions. Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams on promotional launches, seasonal campaigns, and portfolio strategies. Market & Consumer Insights Monitor beverage industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging consumer behaviors. Identify opportunities for innovation in categories such as coffee, tea, functional drinks, local flavors, and convenience beverages. Utilize customer feedback and performance data to drive continuous product improvement. Financial & Project Management Manage product development timelines, project milestones, and cross-functional coordination. Support costing exercises and margin optimization initiatives. Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets. WHO YOU ARE: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field. Minimum 5–7 years of experience in beverage R&D, product development, or innovation within F&B, FMCG, or retail industries. Experience in coffee, tea, RTD, or functional beverage categories is an added advantage. Proven experience managing end-to-end product development and commercialization projects. Strong knowledge of beverage formulation, ingredients, processing, and food safety standards. Strong project management and stakeholder management skills. Commercially driven with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Fast-paced, agile, and hands-on working style.