Head of Innovation and R&D | 15+ yrs | For a leading QSR/Retail Brand | Delhi

You will be part of MetaMorph, a company dedicated to supporting startups in scaling and innovating by prioritizing people in their strategies. With a strong history of assisting over 220 startups, MetaMorph focuses on aligning talent with organizational requirements, enhancing employee capabilities, and transforming employer branding. Their data-driven insights ensure comprehensive support for both acquisition and being acquired, covering all aspects of the process. As the Lead for product innovation and R&D initiatives in the FMCG sector in India and select international markets, you will oversee the strategic development and execution of breakthrough innovations. Your role will involve defining innovation strategies across various categories such as snacks, sweets, and ready-to-eat products, in line with brand vision and market trends. You will also be responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process, from concept to commercialization. Key responsibilities include driving innovation strategies, leading R&D efforts, building and mentoring cross-functional teams, and collaborating with academia, startups, and food tech incubators. You will also ensure quality, compliance, and consumer orientation in product development, while focusing on cost-effective processes and IP management. The ideal candidate should have over 15 years of experience in R&D/Innovation roles within Indian FMCG companies, with a proven track record of launching successful product lines and creating new categories. Expertise in consumer research, food science, process engineering, packaging innovation, and sustainability is essential. An advanced qualification such as an M.Tech or Ph.D. in Food Technology or related fields is preferred. Core competencies required for this role include high-impact communication, stakeholder influence, a passion for consumer-centric innovation, and adaptability to scaling within large organizations.,