Product Development Manager – Functional Nutrition & Nutraceuticals

Founding Team Member – Product Development & R&DCompany: Wellsy

Department: Product Development & Research & Development (R&D)

Engagement: Full-Time

Position Type: Founding Team Member

Compensation: Equity-Based Partnership Only

Location: India

1. About WellsyWellsy is an early-stage functional nutrition brand focused on developing modern, science-led products for everyday wellness.

Our initial focus is daily dietary fibre, particularly Psyllium Husk (Isabgol), with a long-term vision of building a broader portfolio across functional nutrition, digestive wellness and everyday health.

We aim to combine scientific product development, quality ingredients and a premium consumer experience to create accessible functional nutrition products.

2. Role OverviewWe are looking for a technically strong and entrepreneurial individual to join Wellsy as a full-time founding team member, leading Product Development and R&D.

The individual will take ownership of the complete product development process, starting with our first Psyllium Husk-based fibre product and helping establish the technical foundation for future product categories.

This is an equity-only founding opportunity, suitable for someone who wants to build and grow a functional nutrition company from its early stages.

3. Educational QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in one or more of the following:

• B.Tech / M.Tech in Food Technology.
• B.Tech / M.Tech in Food Science and Technology.
• B.Tech in Food Engineering.
• M.Sc. in Food Science.
• M.Sc. in Food Chemistry.
• M.Sc. in Food Processing Technology.
• M.Sc. in Nutraceutical Science.
• M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics with relevant formulation experience.Specialisation in Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals or Food Product Development will be an advantage.

4. Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Research & Formulation

• Lead the research and development of Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)-based products.
• Develop plain and flavoured daily fibre drink powder formulations.
• Research dietary fibres, functional ingredients and ingredient compatibility.
• Optimise taste, texture, viscosity, solubility and consumer experience.
• Develop product specifications and formulation documentation.Quality & Testing
• Coordinate laboratory testing and nutritional analysis.
• Manage sensory evaluation and product performance testing.
• Coordinate stability studies and shelf-life validation.
• Evaluate raw material quality and packaging compatibility.
• Establish appropriate product quality and safety standards.Sourcing & Manufacturing
• Identify and evaluate ingredient suppliers.
• Build relationships with contract manufacturers and processing facilities.
• Manage sampling, pilot batches and formulation improvements.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and production costs.
• Lead the transition from laboratory formulation to commercial production.Regulatory & Compliance
• Understand applicable FSSAI regulations and food product standards.
• Support ingredient compliance, product classification and nutritional labelling.
• Coordinate technical documentation and product testing.
• Ensure product claims are scientifically supported and legally permissible.Future Product Innovation
• Explore new opportunities in functional nutrition.
• Research future product categories such as hydration, protein and other dietary fibre products.
• Build Wellsy's long-term R&D and product innovation roadmap.5. Required Experience & Skills
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in food technology, nutraceuticals or functional nutrition preferred.
• Hands-on experience in powder-based product formulation.
• Understanding of dietary fibres and functional ingredients.
• Knowledge of food processing and formulation optimisation.
• Experience working with laboratories and contract manufacturers.
• Understanding of food safety, quality assurance and shelf-life testing.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage product development.Highly Preferred:
• Previous experience with Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) formulation.
• Experience developing fibre-enriched beverages or functional drink powders.
• Experience taking products from laboratory formulation to commercial manufacturing.6. Founding Team Opportunity & Equity Structure
• Full-time founding team position.
• Equity-based compensation only; no fixed salary at the initial stage.
• Equity participation will be discussed based on experience, technical contribution, responsibilities and long-term commitment.
• Equity will be subject to mutually agreed vesting conditions and appropriate legal documentation.
• Direct ownership of Wellsy's product development and R&D function.
• Opportunity to participate in strategic decisions and build the company from its foundation.We are looking for someone who sees this as a long-term entrepreneurial opportunity, not a conventional employment arrangement.

7. Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is someone who combines technical knowledge with an entrepreneurial mindset, takes ownership of challenges and is genuinely interested in building a functional nutrition brand.

We value practical product-development experience, independent execution and long-term commitment over academic qualifications alone.

8. Application RequirementsInterested candidates should share:

• Updated CV or LinkedIn profile.
• Educational qualifications and specialisation.
• Details of previous product development experience.
• Products personally formulated or commercialised.
• Experience with dietary fibre, psyllium or powder-based formulations.
• Current location and availability for full-time commitment.
• Motivation for joining an early-stage startup as a founding team member.

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