AJAY LALU VARGHESE
Christchurch
Summary
Food technologist and NPD professional with hands on experience in flavour application, product formulation, sensory evaluation, and customer facing development. Currently completing Master of Science in Food Innovation at Lincoln University, with a strong foundation in engineering Food Technology. Experienced in working through end-to-end product development cycles, engaging with customers to translate briefs into market ready products, and applying quality standards aligned with food safety systems (HACCP, ISO 22000). Seeking to bring technical expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a can do attitude to a structured NPD role within a global food business.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
R&D Application Executive
Stonefield Flavours Pvt Ltd
2024 - 2025
- Lead flavour application and new product development projects aligned with customer specifications, managing prototypes from concept through to sensory evaluation and sign off.
- Acted as primary customer contact for briefs, translating requirements into technical specifications and delivering solutions that met quality, taste, and cost expectations.
- Evaluated and applied flavour ingredients across a range of food matrices, assessing performance, stability, and regulatory suitability.
- Conducted food formulation, quality analysis, and sensory evaluation, documenting findings to support decision making and project reporting.
- Supported NPD stage-gate activities including prototype development, ingredient selection, and product optimisation.
- Maintained accurate recipe records and technical documentation to ensure traceability and consistency across development batches.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with technical and commercial teams to ensure timely project delivery within agreed timelines.
Customer Service Representative
NPD Rolleston (Cafe)
03.2026 - Current
- Developed strong customer relationship skills by delivering high-quality service and adapting to customer needs in a fast paced environment.
- Demonstrated accountability and attention to detail in managing orders, maintaining quality standards, and responding to feedback.
Education
Master of Science - Food Innovation
Lincoln University
New Zealand01-2026
Bachelor of Technology - Food Technology
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
India01-2024
Skills
- NPD & Prototype Development
- Product Formulation & Recipe Control
- Sensory Evaluation
- Customer Liaison
- Food Safety (HACCP, ISO 22000)
- Ingredient Evaluation
- Shelf Life Assessment
- Stage-Gate Process
- Technical Documentation & BOMs
- Cost Awareness
- Labelling Compliance
- Microsoft Excel & Word
- People Management & Teamwork
Certification
- Highfield Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing (RQF)
- Internal Auditor Training – Food Safety Management Systems (ISO 22000:2018)
Timeline
Customer Service Representative
NPD Rolleston (Cafe)
03.2026 - Current
Bachelor of Technology - Food Technology
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
R&D Application Executive
Stonefield Flavours Pvt Ltd
2024 - 2025
Master of Science - Food Innovation
Lincoln University
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
- Co-ordinator and poster presenter – 29th Indian Convention of Food Scientists & Technologists, Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).
- Volunteer and paper presenter – International Conference on Smart & Green Materials for Biotechnology, Biochemical and Mechanical Applications (IC-SGMat).
INTERNSHIPS
- Milma Dairy Plant, Thiruvananthapuram — practical exposure to large-scale dairy processing, quality control, and production line operations.
- Honey Processing and Beekeeping Training Centre — training in primary food processing, hygiene standards, and raw material handling.