Food Technologist - Product Innovation The WHY Protocol

About The WHY Protocol

Job Description

Role Summary As the Head of Product Innovation, you will lead the research, formulation, and development of WHYNutritions food and supplement portfolio. You will translate credible science into products that improve everyday nutrition without compromising on taste, shelf life, or practicality. You will also play a key strategic role in building institutional partnerships, driving regulatory alignment, and ensuring that our product claims and standards meet the highest scientific benchmarks. This is a high-ownership, early-stage role for someone who wants to build meaningful, long-term impact at the intersection of health, food, and science. Key Responsibilities Product Innovation and Development Lead formulation and development across functional foods, fortified staples, snacks, and clean-label supplements Design product specs for clean-label, nutritionally relevant foods with optimal sensory and functional profiles Oversee testing for shelf life, nutrient retention, and processing standards Collaborate with external labs, co-manufacturers, and packaging vendors to bring products from concept to scale Scientific and Regulatory Oversight Ensure FSSAI and global compliance standards are built into product design Guide ingredient evaluation, fortification, nutrient claim substantiation, and labeling Commission and interpret third-party testing reports for glycemic index, nutrient profiles, and safety Institutional Partnerships and Advocacy Build and maintain relationships with academic and regulatory bodies including NIN, CFTRI, ICMR, FICCI, and other domain-specific institutions Identify opportunities for endorsements, certifications, or validation partnerships Represent the company in industry panels, research collaborations, and scientific events Ideal Candidate M.Tech or PhD in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline 6 to 12 years of experience in R&D or product development within the functional food, nutraceutical, or clean-label food industry Has previously worked in or with a mission-aligned, purpose-led food company Demonstrated ability to own product development end-to-end, from concept through validation to commercialization Deep working knowledge across science, health, and food systems - understanding how evidence-based nutrition translates into practical consumer products Has already built credible partnerships with labs, research institutions, or certifying agencies, and can bring that network to this role Hands-on, proactive, and excited to work closely with a founding team Why This Role Is Unique This role offers the rare opportunity to shape the scientific and product direction of a company from its earliest days. You will influence not only what we build, but how we build trust with consumers, professionals, and the broader food and health ecosystem. You will have the freedom and responsibility to lead innovation in a category that is underdeveloped, high-impact, and ripe for thoughtful change. About the Company WHYProtocol is a purpose-led nutrition platform focused on building science-backed, functional, and clean-label products for Indian households. From low-GI flours and biofortified staples to supplements and smart snacks, we are building a system of food that supports long-term health - without hype or shortcuts. The company is founded by a team with strong backgrounds in consumer health, food innovation, and preventive care. Were supported by The WHY Protocol, a clinically informed science framework that shapes our approach to product scoring, ingredient sourcing, and food-based interventions.,