Reading - Self-development, Spirituality, Philosophy
Jacob Raju
Product Manager - Clean Label Ingredients-NPD&R, Synthite Industries Private Limited
Thrissur
Summary
I am a production engineer with a startup mindset, with over 11+ years of experience in the food processing industry. My primary area of expertise lies in developing solutions for strategic and new product development related to clean-label and value-added premium food ingredients for the F&B industry. I have deep understanding and experience in solvent extraction processes, SCC- based product development, thin-film distillation techniques coupled with the
implementation of clean-label processes such as CO2 extraction, allowed me to seamlessly integrate various processes, resulting in the introduction of premium value-added products in paprika, various other chilies varieties, turmeric, and marigold raw materials. With this deep understanding of the processes and its financial implications has enabled me to offer economically viable product solutions for various opportunities.
Curiosity drives me and I am always eager to explore new steps, innovative processes, and implement out-of-the-box ideas that can provide organizations with a fresh perspective on conventional commodity products. Over the past 8 years in New Product Development, I have consistently kept the end goal in mind
and strived to create sustainable models that align with the business needs. I also consider myself a flexible team player who is willing to step into a leadership role when necessary.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Assistant Manager - NPD&R
Synthite Industries
Cochin
04.2019 - Current
- Lead the product development of clean label extracts and ingredients, employing cutting-edge Non-solvent extraction technologies, including supercritical CO2 extracts, water extracts, SCC, and oil infusions
- Successfully managed the product portfolio of CFS (Colouring Food Stuff) extracts branded as "Straight extract," as defined by Natcol
- Oversaw total revenue of 1-1.5 Million USD per fiscal year, achieving a remarkable CAGR of 25%
- Responsibilities included Techno-commercial supply chain management, production process control, product costing, sales, and marketing support
- Spearheaded cross-functional project management for strategic growth opportunities, positioning the organization for success
- Led a strategic Techno-commercial project in Zimbabwe, India, involving an investment of 0.5-1 million USD, with the potential for a turnover of 5-6 million USD
- Pioneered the processing of fresh turmeric in India to extract curcumin -95% using ethanol, significantly reducing the cost of turmeric ethanol dye by 40%-50%
- Actively contributed to the organization's marketing team for various exhibitions, including Fi-Europe and IIFT
- Reported directly to the Joint Managing Director and Chief Development Officer on regular activities related to New Product Development and Research.
Team Lead
NPD&R, Synthite Industries
Cochin
11.2015 - 04.2019
- As a Scale-Up Engineer in the New Product Development and Research department, responsible for technical services
- Led the successful development of Clean Label extracts using cutting-edge non-solvent extraction methodologies
- Effectively managed the production activities of Clean Label ingredients in Xinjiang province, China, and Coimbatore, India, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to quality standards
- Oversaw and coordinated pilot plant activities in Cochin, India, facilitating the smooth transition from research to production.
Team Lead
Synthite Industries
Cochin, Xinjiang
06.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed shop floor operations for a spice extraction production plant, leading a team of 20 staff in a 24/7 operation
- Successfully oversaw the extraction plant with an impressive annual production capacity of 1000~1200 MT of dried raw material
- Achieved production process optimization and continuous improvement, resulting in solvent losses limited to less than 1.5%
- Maintained a remarkable on-time delivery rate exceeding 97% and achieved a flawless first-time quality record of 100%
- Led and managed 4 TPM (Total Productive Management) circles, driving the implementation of 5S activities for operational efficiency
- Played a key role in a technology transfer project from Peru to China, collaborating with clients from Spain, China, and India
- Contributed to plant designing, erection, and commissioning, with the total project cost amounting to 10 Million USD.
Graduate Engineering Trainee
Synthite Industries
Cochin
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Managed operations in batch and continuous extraction plants as part of the campus-recruited graduate training program
- Contributed to utility management projects, including the successful revamping of the Effluent Treatment Plant, increasing its capacity from 50KL/Day to 120KL/Day
- Led the search for a competitive supplier of a spiral heat exchanger for a hybrid brine chiller, enabling solvent recovery from air vents
- Played a key role in implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) as part of the manager model plant, establishing it as a proof of concept for TPM adoption throughout the organization.
Education
MBA - General Management - Operations & Strategy
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
Kozhikode, India. 06.2016 - 09.2018
Bachelor Of Technology - Mechanical Stream - Production Engineering
University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. 06.2008 - 04.2012
Senior School Certificate Examination - Science
Kendriya Vidyalaya
Thrissur, Kerala 04.2005 - 03.2007
Skills
Process Engineering - New Technology integration, Process optimisation
undefinedCertification
FTM - First Time Manager Program
Interests
Sports - F1
Additional Information
Irish Contact Address:
Jacob Raju, C/O Rashmi R
Apartment 11, Barr taoide, Forthill Street, Galway - H91T992.
Contact No: +353 892024838
Timeline
FTM - First Time Manager Program
12-2021
Assistant Manager - NPD&R
Synthite Industries
04.2019 - Current
MBA - General Management - Operations & Strategy
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
06.2016 - 09.2018
Team Lead
NPD&R, Synthite Industries
11.2015 - 04.2019
TPM - Total Productive Management
03-2014
Team Lead
Synthite Industries
06.2013 - 11.2015
Graduate Engineering Trainee
Synthite Industries
06.2012 - 06.2013
Bachelor Of Technology - Mechanical Stream - Production Engineering
University of Kerala
06.2008 - 04.2012
Senior School Certificate Examination - Science
Kendriya Vidyalaya
04.2005 - 03.2007
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