Research and Development Lead-East & Southern Africa (ESA) at Upfield… See details on how to apply for the opportunities available at Upfield.
Description;
Upfield is a company selling multiple brands of margarine and other food spreads, including Flora.
Responsibilities:
- Leading the implementation of new product developments in East and Southern Africa on time in full with clear project networks and ensuring full legal, regulatory and safety compliance
- You will be responsible for Project Leadership of projects -single point of accountability for technical delivery and responsible for communication with stakeholder(s) on all technical elements
- Provide 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 on product knowledge
- You will provide guidance on technical supportability of advertising claims in communication with trade and consumers based on excellent technical, legal and competitor understanding
- You will deploy and support sales training and execution of projects in market
- You will assume overall responsibility for delivery of innovation/renovation/cost reduction and compliances in in East and Southern Africa Business Unit
- Drive compliances and delivery of projects and gate documents including compliance checks and local requirements
- You will 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 Research and Development Manager you will be leading and landing the RD driven agenda in the region.
Skills, Experience And Qualifications
- 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.
