Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
Training
Personal Information
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic
Pankaj Solanki

Pankaj Solanki

Mumbai

Summary

Experienced dairy and food professional with 16 years of expertise in new product development, R&D, application, technical projects, food safety, quality assurance, laboratory management, business development, production, and product and process management. Seeking a dynamic, team-oriented environment to leverage extensive knowledge in dairy product development, including flavored milk, yogurt (set, stirred, and drinking), ice cream, cheese, butter, and nutritional products like probiotics and low lactose products. Strong sensory understanding and technical proficiency provide innovative solutions in dairy, juice, and food product development. Backed by robust market knowledge and a passion for quality. Approach challenges with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Committed to delivering value to the organization through expertise in dairy and food science.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Application Manager- Sweet Goods

Dsm-firmenich
03.2023 - Current
  • Lead business development for dairy -Fermented products,Milk Shakes,Ice cream and confectionery products across key global accounts & distribution Markets
  • Manage client projects from concept to product delivery, including lab and plant trials
  • Spearhead innovation in sugar/fat reduction, mouthfeel enhancers, and cost-effective recipes
  • Oversee pilot plant machinery and recommend CAPEX for required equipment upgrades
  • Serve as Internal Auditor for SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) across multiple labs in India
  • Streamlined project management processes by implementing Agile methodologies and improving team communication.
  • Optimized resource utilization by accurately forecasting project needs and allocating resources accordingly throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various projects.
  • Facilitated clear communication between internal departments, ensuring all parties remained aligned on goals throughout the duration of each project.
  • Ensured timely delivery of critical deliverables by closely monitoring progress against milestones and adjusting plans as necessary.

New Product Development Manager

Agrana
08.2020 - 03.2023
  • Led NPD projects from customer briefs to product launch, focusing on cost optimization and market innovation
  • Developed recipes for fruit preparations, syrups, yogurts, processed cheese, and bakery applications
  • Managed a team of NPD professionals, optimizing recipes based on client feedback for commercialization
  • Collaborated with global teams for product innovation and ingredient selection
  • Supervised the OPL (Opportunity Pipeline) and identified new market trends
  • Established strong vendor relationships to ensure efficient supply chain management during new product development phases.
  • Increased revenue with successful new product launches, managing all aspects of the development process.
  • Coached junior team members in best practices for product development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Application Specialist-Culture & Enzyme

Chr-Hansen
06.2015 - 08.2020
  • Managed technical projects in cultures and enzymes for dairy products like yogurt, UHT dahi, and cheeses
  • Provided technical advice, training, and troubleshooting to customers across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal
  • Successfully scaled products from pilot plant to commercial production
  • Extensive travel to customer facility to lab & Plant trials and trouble shootings for product & process improvements.
  • Maintained ISO 22000:2005 and HACCP standards as an Assistant Food Safety Team Leader
  • Developed new concepts like probiotic shots, high-protein yogurts, and no-sugar dairy alternatives
  • Successful Concept Developed-Yakult Type (Probiotic shots), Cheese( Paneer), Brown Milk, High Protein drinking, stirred & Layered fruit Yoghurt, Enzymatic Paneer/cottage Cheese and UHT Dahi( Yoghurt), No Sugar yoghurt, Plant based Yoghurt(coconut, almond)


Manager-Technical Sales –Dairy & Food Ingredients

Transveritas Food Stuff L.L.C
12.2012 - 02.2015
  • Delivered technical support for NPD and product improvements in dairy and juice categories across the Middle East
  • Led B2B sales for key ingredients like fruit preparations, stabilizers, and food colors
  • Managed customer accounts and developed long-term contracts, enhancing business in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.

Team Leader –Research & Development

Almarai
11.2008 - 11.2012
  • Led NPD for fresh and UHT juices, fermented dairy products, and milkshakes
  • Conducted product trials, validation, and sensory analysis to ensure product quality
  • Managed R&D labs and pilot plants, ensuring state-of-the-art processes for product innovation
  • Reduced non-conformance in production through value engineering projects

Education

MBA -

Symbiosis International University
12.2026

B.Tech - Dairy Technology

National Dairy Research Institute
Karnal, Haryana
01.2008

Skills

  • Technical Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Technical Expertise-Product& Process
  • Trial Excellence
  • Innovation Pipe Line Management
  • Technical Training Expertise to internal & external Customer
  • Quality & Lab Management
  • Food Safety-ISO 22000 Certification
  • Leadership skills
  • Collaborative mindset

Languages

Hindi
English

Accomplishments

1. Commissioning of Carbonation Unit In Almarai Pilot Plan for carbonated fruit drinks from

2. Successfully developed and launched Fruit filling category for bakery application which has generated more than half-million-euro business at Agrana fruit ,India

3. Worked as Team Leader to Replace cost effective sugar to save cost in Fruit Preparation Products (Learn effective Project Management to deliver the project on time) at Agrana fruit, India

4. Customer Centric-GO THE EXTRA MILE APAC AWARD in Chr-Hansen-For successfully implementation of Lactosens kit at Amul for analysis of lactose content in milk and yoghurt.

5. Got Wow Cards internally for New Product development activity, First time ISO 22000:2005 Certification for Application Lab and extended support for IDA Exhibition.

6. Successfully help in launch first Greek yoghurt in India using CH culture at Epigemia customer.

7. Successfully converted the Bulk culture to DVS culture in the region with technical expertise.

Training

  • Training on ISO, HACCP, Statistical Quality Control, House Keeping, Internal & External Audits.
  • Attended the Aroma sphere seminar in Almarai Company from Firmenich, Switzerland.
  • Certified Internal Auditor ISO22000:2005 from Bureau Varitas, Mumbai.
  • Attended Advanced HACCP Training from Assure Quality, New Zealand.
  • Attended the Aroma sphere seminar from Flachmann, Switzerland.
  • Attended Fermented Dairy training Chr-Hansen, Head office at Denmark.

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 4th Dec.1984
  • Marital Status: Married

Hobbies and Interests

  • Excellent Inter Personnel Communication and Leadership skills
  • Strong believe in Teamwork
  • Organizational Capabilities
  • Keen Learner
  • Adaptable
  • Travelling
  • Playing Cricket

Timeline

Application Manager- Sweet Goods

Dsm-firmenich
03.2023 - Current

New Product Development Manager

Agrana
08.2020 - 03.2023

Application Specialist-Culture & Enzyme

Chr-Hansen
06.2015 - 08.2020

Manager-Technical Sales –Dairy & Food Ingredients

Transveritas Food Stuff L.L.C
12.2012 - 02.2015

Team Leader –Research & Development

Almarai
11.2008 - 11.2012

B.Tech - Dairy Technology

National Dairy Research Institute

MBA -

Symbiosis International University

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Pankaj Solanki