Head - Research & Development - FMCG (15-25 yrs)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced R&D Specialist to join our FMCG company in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ideal candidate will have a background in developing and improving edible oil and detergent products, as well as a strong understanding of the consumer goods industry. This role will focus on product formulation, quality enhancement, and innovation to support our mission of delivering high-quality products to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Formulation:

- Lead the formulation and development of new and existing edible oils and detergents, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

- Innovate product formulations to enhance product performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

- Conduct trials, testing, and evaluation of products to refine and optimize formulations.

Market Research & Trend Analysis:

- Stay up-to-date on industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitors to identify product opportunities.

- Analyze market demands and consumer needs to create products that align with local and regional preferences.

- Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to support product positioning and branding efforts.

Quality Control & Compliance:

- Ensure products comply with regulatory requirements and quality standards specific to edible oil and detergent industries.

- Work with Quality Assurance teams to implement quality control procedures and testing protocols.

- Address and resolve any quality issues arising from product development or production processes.

Quality Assurance:

- Ensure that all products comply with local and international safety and quality standards.

- Develop and maintain product specifications, including sensory, chemical, and physical parameters.

Cost Optimization & Process Improvement:

- Identify cost-saving opportunities within the formulation and production processes.

- Optimize the production processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste without compromising product quality.

- Collaborate with the production and operations teams to scale up new formulations and ensure smooth transitions to full production.

Documentation & Reporting:

- Maintain accurate records of formulations, testing data, and quality control procedures.

- Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings, improvements, and recommendations to the R&D team and management.

- Document changes and updates in formulations, process improvements, and quality assessments.

Research & Innovation:

- Conduct market and scientific research to stay ahead of trends in edible oils, detergents, and related FMCG products.

- Lead pilot trials and product testing, gathering data to support product development decisions.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Collaborate with procurement to source and evaluate raw materials for edible oil and detergent products.

- Work closely with the manufacturing team to address any technical issues during the production phase.

- Partner with sales and marketing for the development of product specifications and packaging innovations.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 15-20 years of R&D experience in the FMCG industry, specifically in edible oils and detergents.

Technical Skills:

- Expertise in product formulation and quality testing for edible oil and detergent products.

- Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance in the FMCG sector.

- Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving skills, with an ability to analyze data and interpret testing results.

- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to non-technical stakeholders.

- Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, creativity, and a results-driven approach to product development.

Reporting to the CEO/ COO