R & D Manager

Job Description : R&D Manager - Chocolate, Cereals & Bars Location: Lusaka, Zambia Experience Required: 10+ years in R&D, Technology and Product Development in the Food Industry About Us: We are a leading food manufacturing company committed to delivering high-quality, innovative food products to our consumers. We are seeking a talented and experienced R&D professional to head our Chocolate, Cereals, and Bars category. If you have a passion for food technology, product development, and driving organizational success through innovation, we invite you to join our team. As the R&D Manager for Chocolate, Cereals & Bars, you will be responsible for leading the research, development, and commercialization of new products in these categories. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, ensure product quality, and support business growth through strategic R&D initiatives. - Strategic Product Development: - Lead the development of next-generation food products in the chocolate, cereals, and bars categories. - Develop and manage an innovation pipeline aligned with consumer trends and business goals. - Oversee the end-to-end product development process from ideation to commercialization. - Innovation and Commercialization: - Utilize an innovation toolkit for consumer-specific product design and development. - Drive the commercialization of new products, ensuring seamless integration into manufacturing processes. - Collaborate with marketing, operations, and sourcing teams to bring new products to market efficiently. - Process Development and Technical Support: - Provide technical support for process and capability development in manufacturing facilities. - Design and implement process improvements and automation to enhance production efficiency and product quality. - Lead initiatives for the development of sustainable packaging solutions and cost-effective processes. - Quality and Compliance: - Ensure all products meet food safety regulations and quality standards. - Lead initiatives to remove artificial ingredients, reduce salt and fat content, and develop vegan and gluten-free options. - Team Leadership and Development: - Provide thought leadership and mentorship to the R&D team. - Create an ecosystem for innovation and continuous improvement within the R&D department. - Develop and manage an in-house state-of-the-art R&D lab. - B.Sc/ M.Sc. in Food Technology, Biotechnology, or a related field. - Minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D, with a strong focus on chocolate, cereals, and bars categories. - Extensive experience in new product development, process innovation, and commercialization. - Expertise in sensory evaluation, flavor application, and recipe optimization. - Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. - Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative mindset for developing innovative food solutions. - Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Preferred Experience: - Experience in bakery and confectionery product development. - Background in food regulatory compliance and quality management. - Familiarity with pilot plant setup and scale-up processes. Why Join Us: - Opportunity to lead and innovate in a dynamic and growing food manufacturing company. - Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. - Competitive salary and benefits package. - Opportunities for professional growth and development.

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