R&D MANAGER – ICE CREAM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Sanset Gıda; Kırklareli Merkez; On-site; TRY 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanset Gıda A.Ş. in Kırklareli Factory seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead ice cream product development, recipe optimization, and R&D processes.

The role demands deep ice cream technology knowledge, a track record in new product development, and proven leadership to manage and develop the R&D team; you will work closely with Production, Quality, Procurement, Planning and Sales to deliver innovative, cost-effective formulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering or Food Science.
• 10+ years in R&D / Product Development in ice cream or related foods.
• Hands-on ice cream product development and formulation experience.
• Leadership of NPD projects from lab to production.
• Advanced English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD and product improvement projects focusing on ice cream products.
• Technically evaluate customer and commercial requests and manage related R&D activities.
• Develop new recipes and optimize existing formulations.
• Ensure development targets for taste, texture, shelf life, cost and manufacturability.
• Plan and coordinate pilot trials, test productions, and industrial-scale trials.
• Lead the transition of new products from lab to industrial-scale production.
• Maintain product specs, formulations, technical documents, and R&D records.
• Develop R&D projects to improve quality, reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Procurement, Planning, and Sales.

Skills

R&D leadership

Project management

Ice cream technology

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Private Label experience

Education

Food Engineering or Food Science

Job description

Sanset Gıda A.Ş. is looking for an experienced R&D Manager to join our team at our Kırklareli Factory and lead our ice cream product development, recipe optimization, and R&D processes.

The successful candidate is expected to have strong technical expertise in ice cream technology, extensive experience in new product development, and proven leadership capabilities to manage and develop an R&D team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead new product development and product improvement projects, primarily focusing on ice cream products.
• Technically evaluate new product requests received from customers and commercial teams and manage the related R&D activities.
• Develop new recipes and update and optimize existing formulations.
• Ensure products are developed and optimized in terms of taste, texture, stability, shelf life, cost, and manufacturability.
• Research alternative raw materials, evaluate their impact on product performance, and conduct suitability and validation studies.
• Plan and coordinate pilot trials, test productions, and industrial-scale production trials.
• Lead the transition of new products from laboratory development to industrial-scale production.
• Ensure the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of product specifications, formulations, technical documents, and R&D records.
• Develop R&D projects aimed at improving quality, reducing costs, and increasing production efficiency of existing products.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Procurement, Planning, and Sales teams.
• Provide R&D expertise and technical support in resolving product- and process-related issues encountered during production.
• Monitor consumer trends, emerging technologies, and new product developments within the food industry and generate innovative product concepts.
• Technically manage Private Label product development projects tailored to customer requirements.
• Establish project timelines, monitor project deliverables, and report progress and results to senior management.
• Develop the R&D team's work plan, assign responsibilities, and support the professional development of team members.
• Identify the R&D laboratory's equipment, investment, infrastructure, and technical requirements.
• Ensure that product development processes comply with food legislation, product safety requirements, and company quality standards.
• Contribute to product cost optimization and formulation cost-reduction initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in R&D / Product Development within the ice cream, dairy, frozen food, or similar food categories.
• Strong hands-on experience in ice cream product development and recipe formulation/optimization.
• Proven experience managing new product development projects from laboratory trials through to industrial-scale production.
• Advanced technical knowledge of ice cream formulations, raw material functionality, stabilizer/emulsifier systems, and processing technologies.
• Experience in product costing, formulation optimization, and cost reduction.
• Proven experience in R&D team management and project leadership.
• Advanced level of English proficiency.
• Good knowledge of food legislation and product development processes.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented, innovative, curious, and research-driven mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across different functions.
• Private Label product development experience, particularly with national and/or international retail customers, is highly preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A strategic R&D leadership role where you can lead new product development initiatives within the ice cream category.
• The opportunity to manage the complete product development journey, from initial concept and formulation to industrial-scale production.
• The opportunity to lead an experienced R&D team and contribute to its professional development.
• Direct responsibility for product innovation and formulation optimization.
• The opportunity to work closely with Production, Quality, Procurement, Planning, and Commercial teams.
• An active role in bringing new product projects from concept to market.