Dynamic and visionary R&D leader with over 19+ years of experience in the FMCG industry. Proven track record of driving innovation and delivering breakthrough products. Strong emphasis on consumer-focused innovation and process optimization. Highly motivated and adaptable professional, skilled at managing multiple priorities and embracing new challenges. Possesses a positive attitude and a proactive approach to meeting team goals.
Hi, I’m
Smitha Jayaram
Bengaluru
Summary
Overview
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Anheuser-BuschBengaluru
Associate Director-ZITEC
02.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Leading the research and development function, managing a crossdisciplinary team to drive innovation strategy by identifying new technologies, formulations, and processes to enhance product pipelines and VE initiatives
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across the company, including marketing, Business development and supply chain to align R&D efforts with business objectives
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization, ensuring that all new products meet regulatory, safety, excise, and market requirements
- Manage relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, industry associations, and suppliers, to drive collaborative innovation and stay ahead of industry trends
Tata Consumer Products LimitedBengaluru
Senior Manager- R&D Beverages
09.2018 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Managed large-scale projects of new formats and value-added beverages (Tea, Coffee, RTD's, plant-based, grain/cereal-based drinks), and successfully introduced 20 + new products
- Developed new strategic partners and built a positive work relationship to assist R&D with the development of new products, line extension, cost reduction, and product quality improvement
- Promoted the use of new technologies, industry-leading trends, sensory methodologies, and new tools for effectively managing new product development activities
- Consistently met or exceeded annual performance targets set by senior leadership
Tata Consumer ProductsBengaluru
Global Project Manager
11.2017 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Managed regional and global projects and ensured the successful delivery of innovation and high-complex projects, including 3P and contract manufacture search and selection
- Improved cross-functional team collaboration through effective communication strategies and regular progress meetings
- Streamlined global project management processes by implementing standardized tools and methodologies
- Reduced project risks through comprehensive risk assessments, contingency planning, and proactive issue resolution
DiageoBengaluru
Senior Manager-R&D
10.2015 - 11.2017
Job overview
- Led NPD for delivering multiple disruptive, recruit and re-recruit Innovation and renovation projects (RC-Xtra Bold, McDowell Silk, RC Bolt, Captain Morgan, and Platinum) to deliver as per Gate schedule and within budget constraints
- Worked closely with Innovation Marketing in identifying the H1 to H3 product pipelines and built R&D capability for future products in pipelines
- Managed Gate process and ensured strong communication to update major stakeholders on timelines, oversee risk, and facilitate completion of the projects on schedule, meeting KPIs of scope and cost without rework and recall
BacardiMysore
Liquid Scientist-R&D
11.2010 - 10.2015
Job overview
- Instrumental in setting up of New Product Development Centre for Bacardi India
- End-to-end product development from concept to commercialization for new products- Breezers, flavored Rum, whiskey RTD's
- Defined process in line with global protocol on shelf life, sensory training, analytical tests, specifications, manufacturing process, HACCP, and recipe tool management
- Ensured smooth project handovers from R&D teams to full-scale production facilities by sharing valuable insights and best practices derived from pilot plant operations
- Participated in ISO and FSSAI audits, showcasing compliance with regulatory requirements
BacardiMysore
Senior Executive-QA/QC
05.2008 - 11.2010
Job overview
- Executed line measures like defect measurement system (DFC) and statistical process control to minimize rejections/wastage during production and brought EOL to 99% and RFT to 98.5%
- Implemented ISO 9001:2008 and HACCP, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP, and QC tool method
- Technical support for new or emerging units in India
- Ensured products delivered to market are compliant in all aspects, including BIS, legal metrology, state excise, etc
- Trained sensory panel members and shop floor workers on hygiene, line inspections, packaging materials, and other Quality-related training
Central Food Technological Research InstituteMysore
Research Associate
02.2002 - 03.2005
Job overview
- Company Overview: Department of Biotechnology, Government of India sponsored project entitled 'Dietary Anti Metastatic (Anti-cancer) Compounds from Dietary Sources: its Efficacy and Bioavailability in vitro and in vivo'
- Department of Biotechnology, Government of India sponsored project entitled 'Dietary Anti Metastatic (Anti-cancer) Compounds from Dietary Sources: its Efficacy and Bioavailability in vitro and in vivo'
University of MysoreMysore
Research Assistant
08.2001 - 02.2002
Job overview
- Screening and Characterization of Viperid Venoms with reference to Hyaluronidase Enzyme (Plays as spreading factor of venom)
Education
Central Food Technological Research InstituteMysore
Ph.D. from Biochemistry
06.2012
University Overview
University of MysoreMysore
Master of Science from Biochemistry
08.2001
University Overview
Skills
- Product Development & Innovation
- Project Management
- Multitasking
- Process Optimization
- Scale Up
- Quality Control
- Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Vendor Collaboration
- Cost Saving
- Value Engineering
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Instrumental in setting up of New Product Development Centre for Bacardi
- Successful development and commercialization of products for reputed brands for Bacardi, Diageo, Tata Consumer Products and Anheuser Busch.
- 8 publications, 2 patents, and 11 poster presentations at International Symposiums and Conferences.
- TCPL Going above and Beyond appreciation award at R&D meet 2021
- TCPL Great Job Café award -2020 & 2022 for exceptional contribution.
- Diageo Innovation Gold Award for two consecutive years 2016 & 2017.
- Diageo Generative Mind Set Award- 2017
- Senior research fellowship from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Delhi.
- Merit Award for poster presentation at 3rd National symposium on venoms and toxins, Mysore, January 2004.
- First prize in Poster presentation at ICFOST-2005.
Training
Training
- Project management professional -PMI training at ExcelR institute
- Sensory Techniques and descriptors training, Givaudan
- Product Development training at Bacardi-Martini B.V, Jacksonville, USA and Diageo Technical Centre, Singapore.
- Flavor compounding and localization, Symrise, Singapore
- Training on 5S from SGS
- Training on SPC and 7 quality tools from GQS
- Training on ISO 9001:2008 from DNV
- Internal Auditor Training on ISO 9000 -Integrated Management System
Timeline
Associate Director-ZITEC
Anheuser-Busch
02.2023 - Current
Senior Manager- R&D Beverages
Tata Consumer Products Limited
09.2018 - 01.2023
Global Project Manager
Tata Consumer Products
11.2017 - 09.2018
Senior Manager-R&D
Diageo
10.2015 - 11.2017
Liquid Scientist-R&D
Bacardi
11.2010 - 10.2015
Senior Executive-QA/QC
Bacardi
05.2008 - 11.2010
Research Associate
Central Food Technological Research Institute
02.2002 - 03.2005
Research Assistant
University of Mysore
08.2001 - 02.2002
Central Food Technological Research Institute
Ph.D. from Biochemistry
University of Mysore
Master of Science from Biochemistry
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