R & D Lead

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Development Lead

• Manage and develop the department’s resources with the goal of meeting or exceeding all deadlines and expectations.
• Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products.
• Develop new innovative products.
• Research, design, and evaluate raw and packaging materials, assemblies, processes, and equipment on existing product lines and to-be manufactured products.
• Manage the new concept development and production scale-up process.
• Accurately maintain R&D project records, proactively providing status reports as required.
• Collaborate with the Operations unit to achieve project objectives.
• Conduct research in areas including food regulation and process validation.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to be current with new food safety standards.
• Approve Labels to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Participate in the Packaging Validation process.
• Liaise with suppliers for new products and ingredients.
• Source new ingredients to aid in the innovation process.
• Participate in the RFP process.
• Review and sign off specifications.
• Manage sensory evaluations for existing products and to-be manufactured products.
• Identify and advance quality and process improvement opportunities.
• Keep current with changes in technologies and regulations in Nigeria and other countries where we intend to expand the business to.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or professional certification is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in an R&D role within an FMCG or Food & Beverage environment.
• Proven experience leading product development and innovation projects.
• Strong knowledge of FMCG product formulation, processing, and quality standards.
• Hands-on experience with regulatory compliance and product registration.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.