Assistant Manager – Research & Development (R&D) (Lusaka, Zambia)

Job description

Who are we: An FMCG business headquartered in Zambia, with a strategic presence across the African continent.

Who are we looking for: A detail-oriented and innovative Assistant Manager – Research and Development (R&D) to support product development, drive research initiative, and ensure continuous improvement within the business.

Objective: To support the development, improvement and commercialisation of confectionery and baking products by assisting in product formulation, trials, sensory evaluation and ensuring compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards.

What will you do:

Product and Process Development

• Perform research and development activities for new product development and product improvements

• Conduct laboratory, pilot and production trials and record observations

• Develops new and improved methods/techniques and systems for food processing, production, quality control, packaging and distribution

• Development of packaging material and design of ingredient text and nutritional/back panel information in compliance with local and international regulatory authorities

• Create new and improved product samples for testing and providing prototypes for potential clients

• Support product formulation, standardisation and optimisation activities

• Assist in scale-up and commercialisation of new or modified products

Quality, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure R&D activities comply with GMP, HACCP, ISO and applicable food safety regulations

• Support shelf-life studies, stability testing and sensory evaluations

• Coordinate with QA/QC to resolve formulation or process-related issues

Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare and maintain R&D documentation, including formulations, SOPs, trial reports and specifications

• Assist in regulatory documentation and product labeling support

• Maintain proper records for audits and internal reviews

Key Performance Indicators:

• Timely completion of R&D trials and projects

• Quality and consistency of developed products

• Compliance with food safety and documentation standards

• Effective cross-functional collaboration

What do you need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science

• 8-10 years of experience in R&D within the food industry, preferably in baked goods or snack products

• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality and product formulation

• Proficiency in SAP is essential.

• Experience with sensory evaluation and statistical analysis is preferred

• Strong problem-solving and project management skills

Requirements

• Food Safety Management

• Quality Control

• Reporting

Posted on 18 Feb 09:29, Closing date 20 Mar