R&D Specialist – Beverage & Product Development

Job Description:

• The R&D Specialist – Beverage & Product Development is responsible for the research, development, formulation, testing, and improvement of beverages and BigBrew products. The position specializes in the formulation of flavors, coffee-based beverages, milk-based drinks, fruit-based beverages, powders, syrups, sauces, and other beverage components suitable for commercial production and BigBrew store operations.
• The role ensures that newly developed products meet the company's standards for taste, quality, consistency, cost efficiency, scalability, shelf life, ingredient availability, and customer acceptability. The position works closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and other relevant departments in bringing new products from concept to commercial launch.
• Key Responsibilities
• 1. Beverage & Product Formulation
• Develop and formulate new beverage products, flavors, and recipes based on BigBrew concepts, market trends, and consumer preferences.
• Specialize in the formulation of:
• Coffee-based beverages
• Fruit-based and refreshing beverages
• Tea and milk tea products
• Specialty and seasonal drinks
• Syrups, sauces, sauces, concentrates, powders, and other beverage components
• Other food and beverage products as assigned.
• Develop precise formulations and standardized recipes, including ingredient ratios, preparation procedures, and required specifications.
• Conduct multiple trials and adjustments to achieve the desired taste, aroma, texture, color, appearance, and overall product quality.
• 2. Flavor Development
• Research and develop new flavor profiles and beverage combinations.
• Experiment with different ingredients, flavorings, syrups, extracts, powders, coffee blends, milk alternatives, and other raw materials.
• Conduct flavor matching and improvement of existing products.
• Develop unique and commercially viable flavor concepts aligned with the company's brand.
• Evaluate compatibility and interaction of ingredients during formulation.
• 3. Product Research & Innovation
• Conduct research on emerging beverage trends, ingredients, technologies, and preparation methods.
• Identify opportunities for new products, seasonal offerings, limited-edition beverages, and product line extensions.
• Benchmark competitor products and conduct product comparisons.
• Recommend innovative ingredients, formulations, and processes that may improve the company's product portfolio.
• Continuously explore opportunities for product improvement and innovation.
• 4. Product Testing & Sensory Evaluation
• Conduct laboratory and actual-store testing of newly developed products.
• Perform sensory evaluation covering taste, aroma, sweetness, acidity, texture, mouthfeel, color, and overall acceptability.
• Organize product tasting sessions with relevant departments and selected evaluators.
• Document test results, observations, and recommended adjustments.
• Conduct repeated trials until the product reaches the required company standards.
• 5. Standardization & Commercialization
• Establish standardized recipes and formulations for approved products.
• Develop detailed product specifications and preparation procedures.
• Ensure that formulations can be replicated consistently across all stores.
• Conduct scalability testing to determine whether laboratory formulations can be successfully implemented in actual store operations.
• Coordinate with Operations to validate preparation procedures, equipment requirements, serving sizes, and production methods.
• Assist in the transition of successfully developed products from R&D to commercial production.
• 6. Costing & Product Efficiency
• Develop formulations with consideration for product cost and target margins.
• Calculate ingredient usage and estimated cost per serving.
• Explore alternative ingredients or suppliers without compromising product quality.
• Conduct product cost optimization and reformulation when necessary.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Supply Chain regarding ingredient availability, pricing, specifications, and potential alternatives.
• 7. Raw Material & Ingredient Evaluation
• Evaluate new ingredients and raw materials for potential use in product development.
• Conduct comparative testing of different brands, suppliers, and ingredient specifications.
• Assess the quality, functionality, taste, consistency, and compatibility of ingredients.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Supply Chain in identifying reliable sources of R&D ingredients.
• Maintain an updated reference of approved ingredients and formulations.
• 8. Quality & Product Consistency
• Ensure that all formulations comply with established product quality and safety standards.
• Establish product specifications and acceptable quality parameters.
• Investigate inconsistencies in taste, texture, color, or performance of existing products.
• Recommend corrective actions and reformulation when product quality does not meet standards.
• Work with Quality Assurance and Operations to maintain product consistency across branches.
• 9. Documentation & R&D Records
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all product development activities.
• Prepare and maintain:
• Product formulations
• Standardized recipes
• Product specifications
• Trial sheets
• Sensory evaluation forms
• Product testing reports
• Ingredient specifications
• Costing sheets
• Product development reports
• Ensure proper control and confidentiality of proprietary formulations and recipes.
• 10. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Coordinate with Marketing regarding new product concepts, flavor trends, product positioning, and promotional requirements.
• Work with Operations to ensure that new products are practical and easy to execute in stores.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Supply Chain regarding ingredients and suppliers.
• Work with Quality Assurance regarding product safety, quality standards, and testing requirements.
• Assist management during product presentations, tasting sessions, and product approval meetings.