NPD Executive

Keylabsintelli; NTR; On-site; INR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Job summary

Keylabsintelli in India seeks an NPD Executive to lead multi-channel SKU development and Stage-Gate processes. You will design a diversified product portfolio, manage end-to-end lifecycle, and coordinate with MD, Sales and Factory to ensure on-time launches with premium packaging and MNC-grade quality.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years FMCG R&D/NPD experience, strong Excel/Sheets skills, and exposure to shelf-life studies.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Technology is mandatory.
• MBA considered a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets for data tracking and KPI reporting.
• Strong understanding of shelf-life studies and ingredient functionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a multi-channel SKU architecture for GT, MT, E-Commerce and Quick Commerce.
• Own the full product lifecycle from concept to launch readiness; manage BOMs, CoAs, label approvals and artwork sign-offs.
• Lead shelf-life and competitor benchmarking to ensure quality and price parity with MNCs.
• Develop variants (flavours, sizes, coatings) and benchmark against ITC, Parle, Britannia and Cadbury.
• Drive packaging evolution to premium formats ensuring shelf impact and stability.
• Perform factory trials and scale-up; define CCPs and hand over to Operations with clear control plans.
• Post-launch monitoring; RCA/CAPA and weekly KPI dashboard for pipeline readiness and costs.

Skills

Excel

Google Sheets

Shelf-life studies

Ingredient functionality

Education

Degree in Food Technology

MBA (advantage)

Job description

Reports To: Managing Director (Current); Quality Manager (Future)

Direct Reports: None

Employment Type: Full-time (On-roll)

Responsibilities

Portfolio Design & Strategy: Lead the development of a multi-channel SKU architecture for General Trade (GT), Modern Trade (MT), E-Commerce, and Quick Commerce. Design products ranging from ₹5/₹10 value packs to premium canisters and gifting bundles using 8 existing manufacturing lines.

Stage-Gate & Technical Ownership: Own the full product lifecycle from concept to launch readiness. Maintain comprehensive documentation, including BOMs, CoAs, label approvals, and artwork sign-offs. Lead shelf-life and stability studies to ensure crunch and flavour integrity.

Product Formulation & Benchmarking: Develop variants (flavours, sizes, coatings) that meet MNC-level quality benchmarks. Perform sensory benchmarking against competitors like ITC, Parle, Britannia, and Cadbury to ensure superior quality and competitive price parity

Packaging Evolution: Execute the transition from single-piece flow-wraps to premium packaging formats, such as inner foil bags, composite canisters, and SRP/display boxes, ensuring high shelf impact and stability

Factory Trials & Scale-up: Perform factory visits to lead production trials on existing lines. Define Critical Control Points (CCPs) and conduct a formal handover to Operations with clear control plans

Post-Launch & Quality Control: Monitor early production for the first 3 months post-launch. Close quality complaints using RCA/CAPA to ensure products meet MNC sensory standards. Coordinate with the MD to provide a weekly KPI dashboard on pipeline readiness and costs.

Education: Degree or PG in Food Technology is mandatory. An MBA is considered a significant advantage.

Experience: 2 to 4 years of proven experience in FMCG R&D or NPD.

Technical Skills: High proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets for data tracking and KPI reporting. Deep understanding of shelf-life studies and ingredient functionality

Mindset: A strong execution mindset with the ability to manage multiple product categories simultaneously. Excellent coordination skills to act as a bridge between the MD, Sales, and the Factory.

Working Conditions

Number of Working Days: 6 days per week.

Office Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Holiday: Sundays.

Travel: Required travel to the factory (50 km distance) for trials and quality checks.

Results and Growth Path

Success Metrics (Year 1):

Launch Efficiency: Fill all product requirements within 30 days of concept freeze.

Quality Parity: Achieve 100% parity or superiority in sensory benchmarks against targeted MNC competitors.

Implementation: Successfully map and utilise 8 manufacturing lines for multi-channel SKU launches.

Accuracy: Maintain 90% accuracy across all technical specs and stability data.

Compensation

CTC: ₹2.0 – 3.0 Lacs per annum

Probation Period: 6 months (confirmed as a permanent employee upon successful completion)

Benefits: Eligibility for Health Insurance after 2 years of continuous service.

KRA & KPI: NPD Executive

Stage-Gate Portfolio Delivery & Market Expansion

S - Specific: Lead the end-to-end development of a diversified SKU portfolio tailored for General Trade, Modern Trade, and E-commerce/Quick Commerce. Utilise Stage-Gate discipline to ensure products are optimized for existing manufacturing lines while meeting MNC-level quality and packaging benchmarks.

M - Measurable:

•Launch 8–12 new or renovated SKUs per Month

•Maintain a ≥90% on-time gate closure rate to ensure schedule adherence.

•Achieve 100% completion of launch readiness packs, including validated product/pack specs, finalized artwork, qualified vendors, and operational control plans.

A - Achievable: Resources provided: Full access to factory lines for trials, dedicated QA/QC and procurement support, and direct strategic alignment with Sales and Marketing teams under MD oversight

R - Relevant: This KRA is critical for the brand’s evolution from price-led wholesale to a premium multi-channel competitor, directly impacting revenue growth and brand credibility in the MT and E-commerce sectors

T - Time-bound:

•Weekly: Publish a KPI dashboard, conduct gate reviews, and resolve operational blockers.

Analogy for the Role: Think of the NPD Executive as the Innovation Architect. You are not just creating a recipe; you are designing the blueprint for the brand’s future. Just as an architect ensures a building is both beautiful (MNC-level quality) and structurally sound (factory-ready), you ensure every new product is built to survive the market and scale smoothly within our existing manufacturing framework

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