Manager - New Product Development (NPD)

Job Description: Manager - New Product Development (NPD) Function: R&D / Innovation Focus: Clean-label, health-conscious food innovation Experience: 5+ years Qualification: B.Tech / M.Tech – Food Technology Location: Golf Course Road, Gurugram WHAT WE DO AND WHO WE ARE Join the dynamic team at Wholsum Foods and be part of an extraordinary movement! Our mission is simple: to change the world’s eats. With brands like Slurrp Farm and Mille, we offer healthy and delicious alternatives to the junk food epidemic. It’s time to rediscover the nutritious traditions of our ancestors and embrace the power of millets like Ragi, Jowar, Bajra, and Foxtail Millet. Led by founders Shauravi Malik and Meghana Narayan, we are food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and mothers committed to making a difference. We're expanding globally and seeking talented individuals who thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and high-growth environment. Join us and embark on a rewarding journey where you can grow professionally while having a blast! At Wholsum Foods, we celebrate diversity and unity, all driven by a shared mission to revolutionize the way we eat. Our team is our greatest asset, and our core values - Relationship First, Dependable, Passionate, and Growth Mindset—bring out the best in each team member. We take pride in being an equal opportunity workplace, embracing individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We are also Great Place to Work Certified. ABOUT THE ROLE At Wholsum Foods, innovation is at the heart of what we do. As an NPD Manager , you will lead the end-to-end development of clean-label, health-forward food products across formats, ensuring they are nutritious, scalable, compliant, and loved by consumers. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on formulation, structured execution, and cross-functional collaboration while staying deeply aligned with clean-label principles. WHAT WILL YOU DO AT WHOLSUM FOODS? Key Responsibilities:- 1. Product Innovation & Development Lead end-to-end development of clean-label, health-forward products across formats (beverages, snacks, baked goods, protein-based products, etc.) Design and optimize formulations using natural, minimally processed, and allergen-free ingredients Ensure all products align with clean-label standards (no artificial additives, preservatives, or synthetic colours) 2. Project Management & Execution Drive projects from concept to commercialization with clear milestones and KPIs Maintain structured documentation for formulations, trials, sensory evaluations, and specifications Manage pilot trials and scale-up activities while ensuring product quality and integrity 3. Regulatory & Nutritional Compliance Ensure formulations comply with food safety and labeling regulations (FSSAI, FDA, EU, as applicable) Support substantiation of nutrition, health, allergen-free, and sustainability claims 4. Continuous Improvement & Benchmarking Conduct competitive benchmarking and sensory comparisons against market leaders Identify opportunities for cost optimization, shelf-life improvement, and functional enhancement—without compromising clean-label values Stay updated on emerging ingredients, technologies, and consumer trends in health and wellness 5. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and external partners Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, procurement, and operations to ensure feasibility, compliance, and brand alignment Partner with sensory and consumer insights teams to refine products based on feedback WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR? Qualification: B.Tech / M.Tech – Food Technology is mandatory 5+ years of hands-on experience in food product development and formulation Strong understanding of clean-label product development and regulatory frameworks Experience working across multiple product formats and managing scale-up Willingness to travel as required Strong execution, collaboration, and problem-solving skills WHAT WILL YOU GET? Fast paced growth in the startup FMCG space. Mentorship from senior people / board members / in house experts Ability to think strategically. Key involvement in shaping the overall course of the startup and the customer experience at Wholsum Foods. Wholsum Foods is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.