R&D Project Manager - Food Product Innovation Lead

Doğanay; Seyhan; On-site; TRY 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Doğanay is a leading brand in traditional fermented drinks, soft drinks, vinegar and sauces, with modern facilities in Adana. We are seeking an hands-on R&D Project Manager to drive new product development, product improvement and cost optimization across trials, shelf-life studies, and production line integration.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in food R&D, laboratory trials experience, and familiarity with Turkish and international food regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in R&D and/or Quality departments within the food manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of food production processes, food safety, industrial microbiology and food regulations.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory-scale product development, sample preparation and production line trials.
• Knowledge of Turkish Food Codex and relevant international food regulations.
• Experience in shelf-life studies, sensory evaluation processes and product performance assessments.
• Ability to prepare and manage product recipes, process flow charts, specifications and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and BoM experience is preferred.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work closely with Production, Quality, Procurement, Planning and Marketing teams.
• Good command of English for following scientific literature, technical documents and regulatory updates.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility in R&D projects including new product development, product improvement and cost optimization studies.
• Plan, conduct and report laboratory trials, pilot plant studies and production line trials.
• Prepare product samples and support prototype development studies in line with project requirements.
• Participate in production trials and coordinate technical follow-up actions with related departments.
• Develop and evaluate alternative raw materials, ingredients and formulations in line with quality, cost and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct shelf-life studies using appropriate scientific methods and prepare technical reports.
• Prepare, update and manage product recipes, process flow charts, specifications and related technical documents.
• Support sensory evaluation studies and internal product assessment processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities focused on product quality, standardization and process efficiency.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

ERP systems familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

BoM experience

Job description

Doğanay is a leading brand in traditional fermented drinks, soft drinks, vinegar and sauces, with modern facilities in Adana. We are seeking an hands-on R&D Project Manager to drive new product development, product improvement and cost optimization across trials, shelf-life studies, and production line integration.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in food R&D, laboratory trials experience, and familiarity with Turkish and international food regulations.