Research and Development Manager at Robert Walters

About the job

• A new and exciting opportunity has just opened for a R&D Manager at a rapidly expanding agriculture/FMCG company in Nigeira.
• About the company: The company is a wholly indigenous-owned agribusiness, involved in the processing and trading of cocoa and other agricultural commodities.
• About the role: you will be responsible for Research and Development, particularly with Cocoa products.

Responsibilities:

Product Innovation:

• Lead the research and development efforts for cocoa products, with a focus on tropicalized chocolates and beverages.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation in recipes and manufacturing processes.

Recipe Development:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize recipes for chocolates and cocoa-based drinks, ensuring superior taste and quality.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback for product enhancements.

Process Optimization:

• Work closely with the production team to enhance cocoa processes for both raw materials and final goods.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement to increase efficiency and product consistency.

Reporting:

• Report directly to the Managing Director of the subsidiary, providing regular updates on research and development initiatives, project timelines, and key performance indicators.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of cocoa processes, including cocoa bean sourcing, fermentation, drying, and processing into final goods.
• Proven experience in research and development, specifically in manufacturing tropicalized chocolates and cocoa-based products.
• Strong understanding of cocoa processes, final goods production, and FMCG.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and product optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Willingness to relocate to Nigeria at the earliest convenience.