At RAF Specialty Coffee, innovation is at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for a creative, analytical, and passionate R&D Specialist to join our growing team and play a key role in developing innovative coffee products, beverages, and customer experiences that strengthen our position as a leading specialty coffee brand.
This role is ideal for someone who combines technical expertise, product innovation, sensory evaluation skills, and a deep passion for coffee.
Key Responsibilities Product Development• Lead new product development projects from idea generation to commercial launch.• Develop new retail coffee products, beverage concepts, and seasonal menu offerings.• Create and document standardized recipes and product specifications.• Improve existing products based on customer feedback and business needs.
Beverage Innovation• Develop innovative hot and cold beverage recipes.• Create seasonal and limited-time offerings that align with market trends and customer preferences.• Explore new ingredients, brewing methods, and coffee applications.
Coffee Research & Sensory Evaluation• Conduct coffee cupping sessions and sensory evaluations.• Research coffee origins, processing methods, roasting profiles, and extraction techniques.• Analyze flavor profiles and recommend improvements to enhance product quality.• Train operational teams on coffee quality standards and sensory fundamentals.
Market Research & Consumer Insights• Monitor global coffee trends and emerging industry innovations.• Conduct competitor analysis and identify market opportunities.• Gather and analyze customer feedback to support product development decisions.
Product Testing & Validation
• Organize product trials and pilot launches before full-scale implementation.• Evaluate product performance, consistency, customer acceptance, and operational feasibility.• Translate testing results into actionable recommendations.
Quality & Cost Optimization
• Ensure all products meet company quality standards and food safety requirements.• Conduct recipe costing and support product profitability analysis.• Recommend improvements that optimize cost while maintaining product quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration• Work closely with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Production teams.• Support successful product launches through technical guidance and training.
Requirements Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or a related field.
Experience• Minimum 3 years of experience in Research & Development within the Food & Beverage industry.• Previous experience in Specialty Coffee, Coffee Roasteries, Coffee Chains, or Beverage Development is highly preferred.• Proven track record in product development and innovation.
Technical Skills• Product Development & Innovation• Beverage Development• Coffee Roasting & Extraction Knowledge• Sensory Analysis & Cupping• Recipe Development & Standardization• Product Testing & Validation• Market Research & Consumer Insights• Cost Analysis & Recipe Costing• Data Analysis & Reporting
Preferred Qualifications• SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Certification.• HACCP, ISO 22000, or Food Safety Certifications.• Experience in coffee product development.
What We're Looking For
✔ Passion for Specialty Coffee and Innovation✔ Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills✔ Creativity and Product Development Mindset✔ Attention to Detail✔ Project Management Skills✔ Ability to Work Cross-Functionally✔ Continuous Learning & Improvement Mindset
If you are passionate about creating innovative coffee experiences and shaping the future of specialty coffee products, we'd love to hear from you.
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