Head - Product Development (Oil & Fats) - West Africa

Job DescriptionDesignation: Head Product Development (Oil & Fats)Department: R&D / Research & DevelopmentPurpose of the RoleTo lead science-driven innovation and end-to-end product development for oil and fat systems, including margarine, spreads, mayonnaise, and emulsified sauces. The role leverages expertise in colloidal science, fat crystallization, and emulsion engineering to drive new product development and continuous improvement.The position is responsible for developing robust formulations, scalable manufacturing processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining cost competitiveness. Exposure to adjacent categories such as breakfast cereals, noodles, seasonings, and snacks will enable cross-category synergies and innovation. The role also focuses on applying research and technology to meet evolving consumer needs, enhance product quality, support sustainability initiatives, and strengthen competitive advantage.Key Responsibilities Innovation LeadershipDrive development of innovative product concepts aligned with consumer trends and market demands.Lead technology-driven advancements in product formulations and processing techniques.Build a pipeline of differentiated, high-impact products across relevant categories. Product Development & OptimizationLead formulation and process development for oils, fats, emulsions, and related products.Improve quality, functionality, shelf life, and cost-efficiency of existing product portfolio.Implement value engineering programs to optimize cost without compromising quality. Sustainability & Cost EfficiencyIntegrate sustainable practices into product design, ingredient sourcing, and processing.Promote the use of locally sourced raw materials to optimize supply chain and costs.Support environmentally responsible innovation aligned with long-term sustainability goals. Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with marketing, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure successful product commercialization.Provide technical leadership during scale-up, industrial trials, and plant implementation.Collaborate with external partners, suppliers, and research institutions as required. Regulatory & Compliance ManagementEnsure all product developments comply with local and international food regulations.Maintain adherence to GMP, GHP, and other quality and safety standards.Oversee documentation, specifications, and compliance protocols. Market & Consumer InsightsConduct market research and consumer studies to identify trends, opportunities, and gaps.Translate consumer insights into actionable product strategies.Track emerging technologies and ingredient innovations relevant to category growth.Key ChallengesIncreasing utilization of local/raw materials in product developmentBalancing innovation with cost constraints and commercial viabilityNavigating evolving regulatory frameworks across marketsAnticipating consumer behavior and emerging trendsIntegrating global best practices with local market insightsPlanning ResponsibilitiesMacro Level: Plan and execute pilot and full-scale production trialsMicro Level: Design and conduct sensory evaluation studies and validation protocolsJob Dimensions / CompetenciesStrong ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines under pressureStructured, analytical thinking with excellent problem-solving capabilityHigh degree of independence and ownership in delivering resultsStrong leadership and strategic thinking abilitiesEffective communication skills in multicultural environmentsProven stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skillsHighly organized with excellent program management capabilitiesTechnical ExpertiseDeep knowledge of food science, particularly lipid systems and emulsionsExpertise in food discovery, development, and commercialization processesStrong understanding of regulatory frameworks (GMP, GHP, food safety standards)Experience with sensory science and shelf-life assessmentStrong technical documentation and report writing skillsKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Sensory quality and shelf-life performanceNew product development effectiveness and efficiencyProject success rate (hit rate)Continuous improvement in existing product qualityCost optimization and value engineering outcomesTimely execution of NPD projects and milestonesDevelopment and maintenance of raw material and specification databasesEducation RequirementsMinimum: Bachelor s degree in Food Science or related fieldPreferred: Master s degree in Food Science or related disciplineExperience RequirementsMinimum: 10 years of experience in the food industryProven experience in oils, fats, spreads, mayonnaise, or emulsified productsPreferred: Strong experience in R&D and end-to-end product developmentAchyutam International is a leading Recruitment Agency for Jobs in Africa, Middle East and Asia, both for Expatriates and for Local professionals. Through our AI based database, which has a large number of professionals interested in International jobs, Achyutam International closes any challenging mandates in the fields of operations, engineering, production, R&D, Quality Control, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, IT, Finance, Sales, CEO's and others; Many candidates has got jobs in Edible Oil, plastics, FMCG, beverages, metals, fodd processing, Agri, Textiles, steel, packaging,etc..Achyutam International has headhunted professionals in 30+ countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Conakry, IVC, Cameron, Senegal, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, DR Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, Singapore, Mauritius, Madagascar, UAE, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Muscat, etc.