Job Description

- Quality & R&D Manager

Location:

Bangalore

Experience:

5-10 years (FMCG, Food Manufacturing, QSR, or Food R&D preferred)

Department:

Quality Assurance & Product Innovation

Reporting To:

Founders / Head of Operations

Role Overview

The Quality & R&D Manager will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality across all kitchens and production centres while leading the development of innovative new paan-based and betel-leaf products. This role ensures that every product of The Betel Leaf Co. is consistent, safe, and future-forward.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Assurance & Food Safety

Establish, implement, and monitor QA systems across 60+ kitchens and production units. Conduct routine audits for hygiene, food safety, and SOP compliance. Ensure all processes meet FSSAI and statutory food safety standards. Monitor CCPs (Critical Control Points) and maintain HACCP documentation. Investigate quality deviations, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

2. Production Quality Control

Oversee incoming raw material inspection, batch quality checks, and sampling. Maintain product consistency across cities and kitchen teams. Work closely with supply chain to approve vendors and track quality compliance. Create and maintain quality standards for packaging, shelf life, and storage.

3. R&D & New Product Development

Lead R&D for new paan variations, value-added betel products, beverages (e.g., Betel Leaf Water), FMCG items (toothpaste, chewing gum), and vending-compatible SKUs. Conduct trials, prepare PIFs, and perform sensory evaluations for new launches. Improve existing products based on customer feedback and quality insights. Work with production to scale successful R&D trials into full production.

4. Process Improvement & Automation Support

Support automation teams by defining quality parameters for machines and equipment. Standardize product formulations, SOPs, and checklists. Implement continuous improvement practices to reduce wastage and improve yields.

5. Documentation & Compliance

Maintain and update all QA/R&D documentation: SOPs, checklists, audit reports, PIFs. Ensure timely licenses, statutory renewals, and FSSAI compliance. Train operations teams on hygiene, food handling, and quality SOPs.

6. Cross-Functional Coordination

Work with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Founders for new initiatives. Support exports and GT operations with required documentation and quality testing. Coordinate with external labs for testing shelf life, microbial analysis, etc.

Key Skills & Requirements

5-10 years of experience in QA/R&D in FMCG or food manufacturing. Strong knowledge of FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, ISO standards. Proven experience in new product development or food innovation. Strong understanding of food science, ingredients, flavour profiles, and shelf life. Excellent documentation, auditing, and quality testing knowledge. Problem-solving mindset with strong attention to detail. Ability to work across multi-city operations and mentor QA teams.

Why Join The Betel Leaf Co.?

Work on India's fastest-growing paan-based FMCG innovation ecosystem. Lead unique R&D projects with national and international potential. High ownership and leadership role impacting product quality nationwide.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹12,025.33 - ₹37,585.96 per month

Work Location: In person