VIKASH KUMAR
Sonipat Kundli Haryana
Summary
A competent and diligent professional with extensive experience in Regulatory Affairs and In-Process Quality Assurance. Well-versed in ISO standards and Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), including ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and expertise in audit management, licensing, and registration processes (FSSAI, HALAL, KOSHER, Organic certifications). Experienced in the manufacturing processes of spices, wheat flour milling, grinding & blending, biscuits, juices, dairy, noodles, snacks, RTE/RTC foods, chocolates, and more.
Proficient in microbiological techniques, molecular biology, biochemistry, research & development, microbial identification, and sanitization protocols, with a strong foundation in GMP, GLP, HACCP, VACCP, and TACCP systems. Demonstrates expertise in conducting advanced shelf-life studies, accelerated stability tests, and sensory evaluations for new product development (NPD), reformulation, and quality assurance. Skilled in managing food safety systems, regulatory guidelines, and labeling laws across diverse food categories.
As a freelancer at Sepoy Beverage LLP, managed the end-to-end development of flavored drink mixers, specifically Indian Tonic Water, including raw material sourcing, formulation, labeling, nutritional profiling, packaging, quality testing, batch manufacturing, and licensing.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research and Development Manager
PCJS GROUP Pvt Ltd (Food & Beverage Division)
01.2025 - Current
- Spearheading end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) from concept to commercialization for beverages, toppings,Frappe powders, seasonings, spices, fruit crushes and syrups etc.
- Conducting in-depth market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify innovation opportunities and market gaps.
- Defining product specifications, formulations, ingredient profiles, and packaging concepts in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Leading product scale-up from lab trials to commercial production, ensuring cost optimization without compromising quality.
- Reformulating existing products based on customer feedback, sensory evaluation, and sales data analysis.
- Managing supplier development and evaluation for NPD projects, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations (FSSAI, GFSI, FSMS).
- Driving cost-reduction initiatives, process optimization, and quality improvements to enhance profitability and product appeal.
- Monitoring post-launch product performance, gathering insights for continuous improvement and future product pipelines
- Product scale up from NPD lab to commercial run delivering same product delivery at optimum cost.
- Laboratory develop and maintain relations with external labs all analysis related evaluations.
- Regularly identify and evaluate new suppliers for the various product categories
basis manufacturing setup, quality awareness and business relevance. - Regularly updates self and learns about nutritional information, allergen
information, consumer and competitor trends. - To do new product trials based on market trends and benchmarking with competitors.
- Reformulation of Existing products based on customer feedback, sales data,competitor product reverse engineering.
- Evaluates and identifies supplier to support NPD basis the supplier capability and intentions.
- Cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality.
- Managing a portfolio of products including Flavoured Beverages Mocktails Syrups, Fruit crushes,Frappe powders,Chocolates toppings,Spices ,Seasonings and Zone Juice Drinks etc.
Assistant Manager Food Safety Quality Regulatory
Genpact India Pvt Ltd ( Client Kraft Heinz Foods )
02.2021 - 10.2024
- Identified and addressed customer requirements by collaborating with interdepartmental teams to deliver effective solutions.
- Designed and implemented a successful quality control scheme, reducing customer complaints.
- Established analytical property standards for raw materials and finished products.
- Streamlined food safety data validation, and nutritional profile validation, using client-specific business rules.
- Led a team to develop and implement impactful solutions, improving customer satisfaction.
- Optimized procedures to resolve business challenges, increasing team efficiency.
- Monitored staff performance and devised improvement plans.
- Led weekly staff meetings to discuss targets, performance, and customer feedback.
- Conducted FMEA and RCA analysis on multiple processes.
- Successfully collected, validated, and migrated extensive food safety quality data across diverse sites and regions.
- Reviewed and updated ingredient raw material questionnaires for compliance with EMEA and LATAM standards in an Agile environment.
- Led a team to streamline quality assurance and labeling procedures, achieving regulatory compliance.
- Managed a portfolio of products including Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz Baked Beans (Canned Food), Heinz Mayonnaise, Planters Nuts, and Capri Sun Juice Drinks.
Research Associate Food Central Laboratory Peenya
ITC Foods Ltd
07.2018 - 01.2021
- Participated in PQRS programs to evaluate product quality and compliance.
- Conducted extensive microbiological analysis using advanced laboratory instrumentation.
- Facilitated online troubleshooting to maintain production standards during trials for new product launches.
- Acquired hands-on experience in operations of Sidel Aseptic PET lines and Tetra Pak lines.
- Performed regular QA/QC Food Safety audits across ICML units and CMUs to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Designed and implemented effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Conducted rigorous microbial challenge tests as part of shelf-life analysis, utilizing multiple methods to ensure reliable results.
- Executed accelerated shelf-life studies and stability studies to evaluate and optimize product longevity under various conditions.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, including wheat flour (Aashirvaad), biscuits, juices, dairy, noodles, snacks, RTE meals, seasonings, chocolates, and confectionery.
Microbiologist
SGS India Pvt Ltd
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Performed comprehensive microbiological analysis on food, water, and cosmetics, adhering to standards set by organizations like ISO, IS, FDA, AOAC, and client specifications.
- Conducted microbial load reduction studies using methods such as steam sterilization, ozone treatment, and ETO treatment.
- Successfully passed the Proficiency Test administered by LGC, demonstrating technical competence.
- Maintained strict compliance with hygiene standards for laboratory experiments through regular cleaning and fumigation.
- Assisted in evaluating product quality through sensory analysis.
- Conducted audits to ensure compliance with FSSAI hygiene regulations for hotel cloud kitchens.
- Ensured adherence to NABL and ISO 17025 standards in record-keeping and documentation.
- Provided technical consultancy services to industry clients on microbial contamination and control strategies.
- Conducted risk assessments for laboratory procedures involving hazardous microorganisms, prioritizing health and safety.
- Applied molecular-level methods for detailed microbial analysis.
- Analyzed a wide range of products including beverages, RTE, RTC, chocolates, dairy, noodles, spices, biscuits, cocoa powder, cosmetics, herbal products, and commodities.
Sr.Executive-QA
DS Group Ltd.
01.2013 - 02.2015
- Developed daily production schedules and strategically allocated manpower based on the manufacturing plan approved by the production manager.
- Implemented monitoring programs such as HACCP, GMP, and environmental monitoring to enhance food safety standards.
- Managed the successful implementation of ISO 22000 FSMS for food safety management.
- Conducted comprehensive quality tests on spices, including moisture content analysis, color analysis, ash percentage, and acid insoluble detection using chromatography methods.
- Generated end-of-shift production reports daily, documenting line conditions and sharing insights with management.
- Directed the calibration and maintenance of quality testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability in product evaluations.
- Achieved excellence in adhering to guidelines to maintain a high level of process and product quality.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization through the proper implementation of hygiene protocols, housekeeping duties, and 5S principles.
- Managed Catch Salt and Spices products.
Trainee Chemist Contractual
Spices Board of India (MoCI).
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Maintained compliance with ISO 17025 protocols while conducting tests on select food items including but not limited to pickles and spices.
- Ensured precision in recording and compiling laboratory data.
- Managed lab facilities in compliance with GLP requirements.
- Utilized HPLC and LCMS chromatography for accurate identification of Aflatoxin (B1,B2,G1,G2) and Sudan dye.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Drug Regulatory Affairs, CTM,Pharmecovigilance
Clini India Research Institute
Bengaluru, KA2024
Master of Science - Microbiology
Lovely Professional University
Jalandhar, PB2010
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Himachal Pradesh University
Shimla, HP2008
Skills
- Food quality assurance
- Food Safety management system(FSMS)
- HACCP
- Food hygiene
- FSSC 22000
- GMP
- ISO 22000-2018
- Food Safety audits
- Trends analysis
- Data mapping
- Food regulations
- Labeling laws
- Kaizen
- Lean six sigma
- Product development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving
- Team management
- Project management
- Operation Management
- Research & Development (R&D)
- ISO 17025-2017
- Root cause analysis
- CAPA
- FMEA
- Sterilization
- Pasteruization
- Microbiological analysis
- Allergen management
- Chemical analysis
- Regulatory requirements understanding
- Quality Assurance & Food Safety: Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000:2018, ISO 17025:2017
- Product Development & Evaluation: Shelf-life studies, accelerated stability testing, sensory evaluation (NPD, Reformulation, Quality), labeling, product evaluation
- Analytical Expertise: Microbiological analysis, chemical analysis, regulatory compliance, root cause analysis (RCA), FMEA, CAPA
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Punjabi
Proficient
C2
Tamil
Beginner
A1
Certification
- NABL authorised signatory for Biological
- ISO 17025-2017 Internal Auditor
- ISO 22000-2018 FSMS internal auditor.
- Operation Management
- FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor
- FDA Pest control in Food establishments.
- Vaccum Packeging and modified atmosphere
- Labeling
- Basics of steam sterilization
- ISO 14001 and 45001 Internal auditor
Hobbies and interests
- Music (Play Piano).
- Traveling.
- To Play Cricket.
Education
other,other,other
Accomplishments
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) NET Qualified.
Timeline
Research and Development Manager
PCJS GROUP Pvt Ltd (Food & Beverage Division)
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Manager Food Safety Quality Regulatory
Genpact India Pvt Ltd ( Client Kraft Heinz Foods )
02.2021 - 10.2024
Research Associate Food Central Laboratory Peenya
ITC Foods Ltd
07.2018 - 01.2021
Microbiologist
SGS India Pvt Ltd
02.2015 - 02.2018
Sr.Executive-QA
DS Group Ltd.
01.2013 - 02.2015
Trainee Chemist Contractual
Spices Board of India (MoCI).
01.2012 - 02.2013
Diploma of Higher Education - Drug Regulatory Affairs, CTM,Pharmecovigilance
Clini India Research Institute
Master of Science - Microbiology
Lovely Professional University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Himachal Pradesh University
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