General Manager – Culinary Innovation & R&D -FMCG

We are partnering with one of the world's leading Indian QSR restaurant groups, renowned for its strong heritage, innovation, and ambitious global growth strategy. Following the successful launch of its flagship restaurant in London, the company is preparing for significant expansion across the United States.

To support this exciting journey, we are seeking an exceptional General Manager – Culinary Innovation & R&D to lead the brand's product development and culinary innovation from its Head Office in Delhi NCR.

This is a high-impact leadership role that will shape the future of the brand's domestic and international menu strategy.

Salary- 50 L INR plus other benefits per annum

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the company's Culinary Innovation & R&D function across all brands and formats.
• Develop innovative Indian QSR products, beverages, snacks, sauces, desserts, and ready-to-scale menu concepts.
• Drive end-to-end product development from concept, research, testing, consumer validation, and commercial launch.
• Standardise recipes, cooking techniques, yields, and production processes to ensure consistency across multiple markets.
• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, QA, Manufacturing, Marketing, and International Business teams.
• Lead continuous menu optimisation, cost engineering, and quality enhancement initiatives.
• Identify emerging food trends, consumer insights, and global innovations relevant to Indian cuisine.
• Support international expansion by adapting products for overseas markets while preserving authentic Indian flavours.
• Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team and establish best-in-class innovation processes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards across all product development activities.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven food innovation leader who has:

• 15+ years of experience in Culinary R&D, Product Development, or Executive chef from India's leading hotel Group.
• Extensive expertise in Indian cuisine and organised QSR, casual dining, FMCG food manufacturing, or central production operations.
• Demonstrated success in launching commercially successful products at scale.
• Strong understanding of recipe standardisation, food science, ingredient functionality, shelf-life, food safety, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with high-growth restaurant brands or large food businesses.
• A strategic mindset with excellent leadership and project management skills.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and international teams.

Preferred Background

Candidates from FMCG food companies, or leading Hotel Group as Executive chef will be highly regarded.

What We're Looking For

• A stable and progressive career with reputable organisations.
• Long-term tenure demonstrating commitment and consistent career growth.
• Proven leadership in building successful food innovation pipelines.
• Passion for Indian cuisine, culinary excellence, and global brand development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the global culinary direction of one of India's most recognised restaurant brands as it continues its international expansion across Europe and North America.