Bhagwat Kharbal

• Acted as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for third-party manufacturing units, ensuring contractual compliance, quality standards (FSSAI/FSSC 22000), and timely deliveries.
• Developed and managed the Master Production Schedule (MPS) across 3P sites, achieving over 95% OTIF service levels.
• Conducted vendor audits and implemented CAPA, enhancing food safety and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Negotiated service-level agreements with co-packers, lowering rejection rates and improving cost efficiency.
• Monitored vendor KPIs (efficiency, service levels, quality rejection rate) to drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinated with R&D, QA, and Marketing for new product trials, scale-up, and commercialization at 3P sites.
• Supported capacity expansion by evaluating and onboarding new 3P units, aligned with growth requirements.
• Led material variance analysis and implemented corrective actions, reducing losses across price, usage, and yield.
• Directed daily plant operations, optimizing manpower, equipment, and material utilization while ensuring safety, quality, and service levels.
• Supported New product development (NPD) through pilot trials, BOM preparation, and process documentation.

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• Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
• Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
• Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.

Led product development processes and technical operations, ensuring alignment with market needs.

• Led the development of multigrain and flavoured 3D extruded snacks.
• Coordinated formulation, plant trials, sensory testing, and shelf-life validation to optimise product performance.
• Advised cross-functional teams on product specifications and positioning to enhance market competitiveness.
• Improved ingredients, processes, and packaging for better shelf life and cost efficiency.
• Selected cost-effective, high-quality raw materials to optimize performance.
• Created seasoning blends tailored to regional tastes, enhancing product appeal.
• Enhanced texture and sensory quality of existing snack products.
• Conducted product costing across ingredients, manpower, utilities, and packaging.
• Supported product launches through collaboration with branding and marketing teams.
• Ensured packaging compliance with FSSAI and Legal Metrology standards.

Led new product development initiatives, resulting in innovative enhancements to product offerings.

• Spearheaded the development of diverse food products, including:
• Extruded Snack Pellets: Cereal-based, potato-based, 2D/3D formats.
• Multigrain & Nutritional Snacks: Millet-based, high-fiber formulations.
• Developed multiple seasoning blends across tangy, spicy, cheesy, and traditional Indian profiles.
• Chutneys and Sauces: Imli chutney, Imli sauce, Panipuri chutney.
• Instant drink powders and mouth fresheners.
• Puffed Snacks, Choco Balls, Soya Sticks, Rice, Sago, Jeera, and Chilly Papads.
• Packaging and Regulatory Compliance: Verified and approved packaging labels and artwork in compliance with the FSSAI and the Legal Metrology Act of 2009.

Oversaw plant commercialization and standardised production processes to optimise operational efficiency.

• Led commercialization and process setup for: Imli Chutney/Sauces Plant, Popcorn Plant (flavors: salted, cheese).

Performed detailed product costing and implemented cost-optimisation strategies to maximise profitability.

• Performed detailed product costing (ingredients, operations, packaging), and implemented cost-optimization strategies to enhance profitability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration.

• Coordinated with branding and marketing teams for successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Managed procurement of approved ingredients, equipment, and machinery.
• Resolved raw material and manufacturing challenges through internal and external communication.

• Coordinated daily production activities, managing manpower allocation and dispatch to ensure effective traceability and rework management of hold materials and uphold plant hygiene standards.