Research and Innovation Specialist (Dangote Salt & Seasoning) at Dangote

Description

The R&I Specialist is responsible for developing plans to improve product quality from formulation/blend to packaging materials in line with specification and the company’s quality to drive profitable and competitive growth. As an R&I resource, you are crucial in driving savings and innovation opportunities for the business. You will be responsible for overseeing where salts and seasonings sit from a competitive space. Your role will also help guide in meeting the consumer quality expectations for the business to ensure the brand's success in the market.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop alternate suppliers for all the company's direct raw materials.
2. Support marketing team in new product development by developing new packaging design/concept in response to briefs.
3. Collaborates with suppliers on latest technological innovation in development.
4. Develop plans to improve supplier's quality in line with the company's packaging material specification requirement.
5. Execute supplier's evaluation process and performance rating.
6. Plan and execute all packaging development programs relating to all plants.
7. Develop smart specifications for all current & proposed raw and packaging material for the company.
8. Support quality department in standardizing/developing method of analyzing and/or packaging materials in the company.
9. Ensures all value engineering and innovation processes are in line with the Company strategy, based on knowledge of research and technological opportunities.
10. Lead troubleshooting activities in the Plants relating to material or packaging issues with the aim of continuously improving quality, efficiency and reducing losses to ensure more consistency in the final product quality.
11. Scrap Values and losses issues handling.
12. BoM and recipe management.

Requirements

COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS

1.  Strong intellectual and analytical skills
2. Excellent influencing and communication skills
3. Use of initiative and confident decision making
4. Time management – priority setting
5. Project management skills
6. Strong Analytical skills
7. Planning, Scheduling, Controlling & Coordinating
8. Problem Solving & Analysis
9. Proficiency in the use of basic Microsoft Office Suite Applications.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

1. B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or equivalent degree.
2. Minimum of 3-5 years’ cognate experience in Research & Innovation within the food industry.
3. Experience with retail or food science manufacturers.
4. Extensive experience in working directly with manufacturing facilities.
5. Relevant professional certification in Food Science is an added advantage.