Research & Development Officer

Full Job Description

Position Summary:

The R&D Officer is responsible for developingand executing new product development and works with the sales andmarketing team to bring these products to market. The R&D Officer will workin collaboration with cross-functional teams within Johnvents Foods Limited to delivernew products to our customers in the timeframe expected. The R&D team workswith the operations department to ensure consistency in product quality andfood safety.

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• New product registration with NAFDAC.
  
• Manage regulatory requirements with SON and other regulatory bodies.
  
• Manage and maintain all documentation according to current standards.
  
• Manage and develop the department’s resources to meet or exceed all deadlines and expectations.
  
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to be current with product formulations and standard requirements.
  
• Develop new innovative products.
  
• Research, design, and evaluate raw and packaging materials.
  
• Source new ingredients to aid in the innovation process.
  
• Collaborate with the Operations unit to achieve project objectives.
  
• Conduct research in areas including food regulation and process validation.
  
• Monitor the sustainability of product design in the process.
  
• Conduct market research and trade check.
  
• Conduct and supervise sensory evaluations for existing and newly developed products.
  
• Identify and advance quality and process improvement opportunities.
  
• Participate in the Packaging Validation process.
  
• Liaise with suppliers for new products andingredients.
  
• Source new ingredients to aid in the innovationprocess.
  
• Participate in the RFP process.
  
• Keep current with changes in technologies and regulations in Nigeria and other countries where we intend to expand business.
  

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Food Science,Chemistry, or a related field
  
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsibleexperience in R & D in the food industry with previous hands-on experience with notable results in but notlimited to;
  

1. Instant chocolate drink including Ready-to-drink
2. Chocolate Bar /Chips
   
3. Chocolate Frost
   
4. Choco Pops
   
5. Choco Cubes
   
6. Biscuits (Cocoa based) and other confectioneries
   

• Experience working successfully with customers,suppliers, and statutory and regulatory bodies.
  

Experience and Skills:

• Experienced in managing branded or PrivateBrand R & D or Commercialization process.
  
• Strong time management, planning, and analyticalskills
  
• Strong computer usage skills, includingproficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  
• Professional written and verbal communicationskills, with excellent client-facing skills (external) and the ability tocommunicate at all levels within the organization (internal).
  
• Strong problem-solving/decision-making skills,interpersonal skills, and analytical capabilities.
  
• Good general understanding of business financialprinciples.
  
• Demonstrated work ethic, integrity, andprofessional conduct.