R&D Manager at Upfield

• The main purpose of the function is the technical delivery of innovations/renovation in West Africa Business Unit on time in full, ensuring full legal, regulatory and safety compliance. He/she provides local technical input/insights into innovation projects to R&D and key Business Unit partners. He/she also will support the Business Unit, in activation of new/rejuvenated product launches where close teamwork is required with culinary, Marketing and SC Teams.
• The incumbent as a Technical Product Leader will also be leading and landing innovation/renovation/cost saving in West Africa. He/She can be appointed to lead projects across Africa business units, where deemed appropriated
• As part of the RD Africa team, incumbent will be involved in projects in Africa either as a leading Manager or part of the team member. He/She will have a responsibility on landing RD initiatives, program on ground.
• As a key RD Person in west Africa, incumbent will be a key person that interacts with the SC team on delivery of approved projects.

Key Accountabilities / Main Accountabilities

• Lead the implementation of new product developments in West Africa on time in full with clear project networks and ensuring full legal, regulatory and safety compliances.
• As TPL she/he is responsible for Project Leadership of projects -single point of accountability for technical delivery and responsible for communication with stakeholder(s) on all technical elements.
• Technical input and insights into innovation projects to the R&D organization, Business Unit marketing, external relations, supply chain and technical compliance networks.
• Development, training, and execution of R&D relevant product activations including training sales force with product knowledge.
• Guidance on technical supportability of advertising claims in communication with trade and consumers based on excellent technical, legal and competitor understanding.
• Deploy – support sales training and execution of projects in market.

He/she has overall responsibility for delivery of innovation/renovation/cost reduction and compliances in in West Africa Business Unit.

• Drive compliances and delivery of projects in UPMS and gate documents including compliance checks and local requirements.
• Work closely with Supply Management and Supply Chain on local supply chain support activities e.g. value improvement, third party manufacturing support, alternative sourcing.
• As an RD Manager, incumbent will also be leading and landing RD driven agenda on ground.

Key Interfaces

• Head of R&D Africa
• Head of Marketing West Africa
• Head of Regulatory and Nutrition Africa
• BU General Manager
• R&D Resources local Deploy, Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs.
• SC Regional and local Deploy countries

Relevant Experience

• Minimum university degree in food science or relevant science.
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in regulatory, foods product development, project leadership, preferably in the context of complex, Regional and Global projects.
• Knowledge in plant-based food (Oils & Fats, Spreads, Margarine, cheese, creams & dressings) technology.
• A team player with a can-do mentality.
• Self-starter, but can also work in a global framework
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt within a fast-changing environment.
• Strong communicator
• Fluent in English, spoken and written.

You’ll have to enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and it will take hard work and determination; we will give you the ownership you need to make an impact. You’ll have to deliver on the commitments you