Research and Development Manager at Global Profilers

• Actively involve in product development and recipe formulation on 3 categories; biscuits, pasta and noodles
• Execute R&D projects for marketing and sales generated expectations for creating and executing new product concepts / prototypes and finished product matches from conception through to commercialization stages
• Coordinate all quality improvement and re-engineering of product parameters such as taste, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, physical, chemical and microbiological composition of food
• Staying abreast with eating habits and latest trends in the food service industry and work with the team to introduce new ideas to keep us ahead of the pack
• Develop finished product formulas and cost improved formulas while expending the current finished product portfolio
• Involve in raw material sourcing and approval, plus finished product formula costing
• Actively interface with marketing, the supply chain, and quality
• Ensure consistent regulatory compliance with all production processes and packaging and raw materials
• Deliver R&D technical support while also meeting the business needs of the various categories
• Develop and actively evolve a central business specific R&D facility
• Actively participate in assigned technical R&D product development activities
• Ensure finished product development compliance with NAFDAC and Nutrition Society of Nigeria government regulations plus private industry standards such as Kosher, Halal and Snack Foods Association (SFA).
• Support new product plant introduction/commercialization while maintaining compliance with quality and food safety mandates
• Oversee and generate new product development finished product specifications
• Oversee generation of R&D product  technical briefs, R&D Plant trial report and R&D commercialization reports
• Work closely with the Head of Technical unit Deli, Pasta and Noodles to deliver specifically assigned Research and Development technically based product development activities on time
• Build a team capable of meeting current and future company product development requirements
• Identify product needs, assist in developing products to fill those needs, and disseminate product information throughout the organization.
• Build and develop recipes to fill marketing matrix
• Write all product instructions, determine product labeling and packaging
• Bring potentially systemic problems that require immediate action to the attention of the business
• Supervise the technical team while carrying out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university strongly preferred with a focus in Food science and technology and any other related Science degree with project management training as an added advantage.
• Four to six years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and software including, but not limited to: Excel spreadsheets, word processing, email, and Internet applications and packaging development software.
• Thoroughness, in particular to understanding of Health, safety and hygiene and environmental impact
• 4-6 years project management experience - prioritizing projects by importance and deadline, ensuring that deadlines are met, and keeping stakeholders informed of project/program status. Ensuring the projects’ or programs’ goals, purpose, and criteria are clearly defined. Delegating project assignments and matching the responsibility to the person.

Key Skills/ Competencies

•   Have a flare for product development  with a track record of launching new products to market
• Candidate should have a meticulous attention to detail
• Be able to demonstrate a record of achievement in a similar role
• Be passionate about innovation and creativity in the food sector
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to mentor the NPD team to achieve success