About this role
Job Description WHAT YOU’LL CHAMPION: Product Development & Innovation
• Lead end-to-end beverage product development from ideation, formulation, testing, commercialization, and post-launch review. • Develop innovative beverage concepts aligned with market trends, customer preferences, and Santan’s brand strategy. • Create and improve hot, cold, ready-to-drink, and functional beverage offerings across multiple channels. • Conduct sensory evaluations, benchmarking, and product optimization to ensure product excellence. Commercialization & Operational Excellence
• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and QA teams to ensure smooth product implementation and scalability. • Translate product concepts into commercially viable products while maintaining cost efficiency and operational practicality. • Support launch readiness including SOP development, training materials, and product documentation. • Ensure beverage formulations meet shelf-life, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Supplier & Stakeholder Management
• Collaborate with ingredient suppliers and manufacturing partners for sourcing, trials, and innovation opportunities. • Manage supplier evaluations, ingredient testing, and technical discussions. • Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams on promotional launches, seasonal campaigns, and portfolio strategies.
Market & Consumer Insights
• Monitor beverage industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging consumer behaviors. • Identify opportunities for innovation in categories such as coffee, tea, functional drinks, local flavors, and convenience beverages. • Utilize customer feedback and performance data to drive continuous product improvement. Financial & Project Management
• Manage product development timelines, project milestones, and cross-functional coordination. • Support costing exercises and margin optimization initiatives. • Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines and budgets.
WHO YOU ARE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field. • Minimum 5–7 years of experience in beverage R&D, product development, or innovation within F&B, FMCG, or retail industries. • Experience in coffee, tea, RTD, or functional beverage categories is an added advantage. • Proven experience managing end-to-end product development and commercialization projects. • Strong knowledge of beverage formulation, ingredients, processing, and food safety standards. • Strong project management and stakeholder management skills. • Commercially driven with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. • Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality. • Excellent communication and presentation skills. • Fast-paced, agile, and hands-on working style.