Lead Research & Development R&D and New Product Development NPD

Position Title: Lead Research & Development R&D and New Product Development NPD Department: R&D and New Product Development Location: Kiambu County ROLE PURPOSE Provide strategic leadership and governance for the company, innovation and new product development portfolio. The role owns the end-to-end innovation pipeline, product formulation, validation, scale-up, commercialization, renovation, regulatory compliance, cost optimization and technical team capability while partnering with Marketing, Quality Assurance, Production, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance and Commercial teams. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Operations / Functional Delivery • Develop and execute the R&D and NPD strategy and innovation roadmap aligned to business plans, category priorities, consumer insights and profitable growth objectives. • Lead end-to-end product development from concept brief, feasibility and formulation through laboratory and pilot trials, factory scale-up, commercialization and post-launch review. 2. Process Control, Quality & Reliability • Establish robust product specifications, formulations, process parameters, trial protocols, stability and shelf-life requirements, technical dossiers and manufacturing handover controls. • Ensure new and renovated products comply with KEBS requirements, GMP, ISO, FSSC, food-safety standards, approved claims, customer requirements and our company quality standards. 3. Planning, Cost & Continuous Improvement • Manage the NPD portfolio, stage-gate reviews, project risks, laboratory and trial resources, budgets and cross-functional actions to accelerate speed to market. • Lead value engineering, formulation optimization, alternative-material validation, packaging improvement and process enhancement without compromising safety, quality or consumer acceptance. 4. SHEQ, Governance & Risk Management • Protect confidential formulations, technical data, samples, intellectual property and controlled documents, and ensure effective change control, traceability and audit readiness. • Uphold our company SHEQ, GMP/food-safety, laboratory safety, 6K housekeeping and Code of Business Conduct standards at all times, and escalate any non-compliance promptly. 5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination • Lead, coach and manage the performance, discipline, competence and development of the Deputy Lead, Supervisors, Associates, Technologists and assigned project teams, ensuring succession depth. • Coordinate Marketing, QA, Production, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory and Commercial stakeholders, and perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor or line manager. Requirements IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Education & Professional Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Packaging Technology or a related field. A relevant master's degree is preferred. • Professional training in product development, project management, design thinking, sensory science, statistical analysis, innovation management, ISO, FSSC or food safety is an advantage. Experience Requirements • 8 - 10 years in R&D, product development, innovation, quality or technical operations within FMCG or manufacturing, including at least 3-5 years in a leadership role. • Demonstrated experience leading formulation, validation, pilot and factory trials, scale-up, commercialization, regulatory approval, cost optimization and cross-functional product launches. Technical Competencies • Innovation strategy, portfolio governance and stage-gate management • Product formulation, process scale-up, validation and commercialization • Sensory evaluation, stability studies, specifications and technical documentation • Regulatory compliance, KEBS, GMP, ISO, FSSC and product risk management • Value engineering, project management, data analysis and cost optimization Leadership & Behavioural Competencies • Strategic thinking, innovation and commercial judgement • Consumer focus, analytical problem solving and evidence-based decisions • Executive influencing, cross-functional collaboration and communication • Talent development, accountability, integrity and execution discipline SUCCESS DEFINITION FOR THE FIRST 12-24 MONTHS • Innovation Delivery: Approved innovation roadmap and planned launches delivered (100%) • Project Execution: Launch milestones achieved on time and within approved budget (>=90%) • Quality & Compliance: Product, regulatory and technical approval compliance before launch (100%) • Value Delivery: Approved cost-optimization and value-engineering target achieved (>=100%) • Consumer & Stakeholder Outcomes: Product acceptance and stakeholder satisfaction (>=90%) • Build a capable, accountable technical team with clear routines, skills coverage, project governance and succession depth. REMUNERATION Competitive and commensurate with the scope of the role, the successful candidate's experience and internal company guidelines. Specific terms will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.