Product Development/QC Manager at Foodco Limited

The Product Development/QC Manager will be responsible for leading efforts involved in new product/process development and improvements; coupled as well as Quality Control support responsibilities.

Product Development

• Leads the technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluating and reporting on new product / process development and improvement.
• Independently initiates, investigates, and implements significant new formulations, recipes, process improvements, existing product improvement and cost savings projects.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations concerning the application of new recipe and processing technologies.
• Prepare new product costings based on raw materials and manufacturing costs to ensure profitable products.
• This position initiates, evaluates, plans, directs, executes, implements, and reports on activities related to the development of new products, improvements or cost savings ideas.
• Interface with NAFDAC and all related regulatory bodies, as it relates to new product development and factory regulations compliance; while ensuring stringent hygienic standards are met around new product lines
• Stays apprised of new technologies, trends and processes in the food manufacturing industry, and advices as appropriate.
• Develops understanding of all processes new to the organization; evaluates whether portions of such processes are applicable to other products.
• Document and report on new product test runs/trials and results. Identify any potential issues or improvements to the process or formulations and discuss with management team.
• Maintains an accurate documentation of workflow and processes.

Quality Control

• Ensuring legal obligations are followed and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and with health and safety guidelines.
• Setting the requirements for raw materials from suppliers and monitoring their compliance.
• Supervising inspectors, technicians, and other staff members and providing guidance.
• Ensure that all Quality Operations SOPs are strictly adhered to; and review the SOPs as appropriate.

Collaboration

• Acts as a technical consultant to all Food Manufacturing units of FoodCo on product formulation/processing and quality assurance issues related to assigned products.
• Work collaboratively and develop strong relationships with cross functional teams including; Operations, and Procurement to solve key business issues and drive profitable growth.

Talent Management

• Manage performance of reports and ensure that relevant training and development interventions are implemented to sustain performance.
• Train team members/stakeholders and grow their capabilities on the products developed as needed for scaling up production and quality assurance lines.
• Mentor and coach reports to ensure performance in the team is sustained.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education

First degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science Technology

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ related working experience, across reputable food manufacturing organisations.
•  Proven record and success in developing new products.
• Deep understanding of the Food Manufacturing market in Nigeria, and related consumer products.
• Working knowledge across different aspects of Food Manufacturing such as confectioneries, ice creams, pastry, bakery, etc
• Working knowledge of related food manufacturing regulatory standards.
• Commercial awareness and market orientation
•  Innovative and creative acumen.
• Strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills.
• Strong work ethics
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication and accountability skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skill