New Product Development Specialist at natnudO Foods

natnudO has been revolutionizing the poultry industry for over 10 years. We are committed to meeting and exceeding the Nigerian market’s demand for high-quality animal protein. We provide a full range of high-quality, tasty animal protein products to satisfy our growing market. Our products offer great value for money while strictly following global best practices for food processing.

We maintain a high level of organizational excellence in all aspects of our business, from production to distribution, until the products get to our esteemed consumers. Every product is carefully processed and packaged according to the highest global health standards. All our products are NAFDAC and SON certified. natnudO Foods is growing to provide a diverse range of protein products for all our customers.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: New Product Development Specialist

Location: Magodo, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The New Product DevelopmentSpecialist is responsible for leading the end-to-end process of developing and launching new meat and poultry products.
• This role involves conceptualizing, formulating, testing, and scaling innovative products while ensuring compliance with international food safety standards, particularly FSSC 22000. 
• The specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams, manage production costs, and ensure that all new products align with the company's quality, efficiency, and market objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation:

• Lead the development of new meat and poultry products from concept to commercialization, ensuring market readiness.
• Conduct market research, consumer insights analysis, and competitive benchmarking to identify gaps and opportunities for new product offerings.
• Develop and refine product formulations, ingredient specifications, and processing techniques for scalability and efficiency.
• Ensure product consistency, texture, flavour, and appearance meet industry and consumer expectations.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all new products comply with international food safety management systems, particularly FSSC 22000 and other relevant regulations.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to obtain necessary product approvals and certifications.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation for formulations, process flows, and compliance records.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management:

• Work closely with marketing, sales, procurement, operations, and supply chain teams to align product development with business goals.
• Drive cost optimization strategies without compromising on product quality and food safety.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners for sourcing high-quality raw materials and ingredients.
• Develop and oversee industrial production processes, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
• Lead product trials, conduct sensory evaluations, and refine products based on feedback.

Process Optimization & Cost Control:

• Analyze and optimize production costs, raw material utilization, and waste reduction to improve profitability.
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements in production while maintaining product integrity.
• Develop strategic plans for large-scale manufacturing, ensuring consistent quality and process reliability.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain detailed reports throughout the product development lifecycle, including R&D documentation, trial results, cost analysis, and launch plans.
• Prepare and present product development updates to senior management and key stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Interested candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree / HND
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in new product development within the meat and poultry processing industry.
• Strong background in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), particularly in food processing and manufacturing.
• Proven track record of developing and launching new products for internationally recognized FMCG brands.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial-scale meat and poultry production, processing technologies, and ingredient functionality.
• Experience with international food safety standards and certification processes (FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.).
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Product Development Expertise
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Attention to Detail & Quality Focus.

Application Closing Date
24th April, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: vacancies@afshltd.com with the job title as the subject of the email.