R&D and NPD Manager at Razco Foods

Role Summary

• The R&D and NPD Manager is responsible for leading Razco Limited's product research, development and innovation function — developing new products and reformulating existing ones across the Company's Dairy (Ice Cream, Yogurt), Culinary Sauces, and Chocolate/Confectionery categories. The role owns the NPD process end-to-end, from concept and formulation through pilot trials, scale-up and commercial launch, while ensuring all products meet Kenyan food safety, regulatory and quality standards, including KEBS requirements and the Company's FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System.

Key ResponsibilitiesNew Product Development (NPD)

• Develop new product concepts and formulations in line with Marketing and business growth priorities.
• Lead bench-top trials, pilot trials and factory-scale trials through to commercial launch.
• Manage the NPD project pipeline and timelines from concept to launch.
• Source and evaluate new ingredients, flavours and functional additives.

Product Reformulation & Renovation

• Review the existing product portfolio and identify reformulation opportunities.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives through ingredient optimisation.
• Investigate and resolve product quality issues through formulation review.

Sensory Evaluation & Shelf-Life Studies

• Design and lead sensory evaluation panels.
• Plan and coordinate sensory focus groups.
• Plan, monitor and analyse shelf-life and stability trials.
• Validate best-before dates and maintain retained samples.

Food Safety, Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure new and reformulated products comply with KEBS standards and applicable food legislation.
• Prepare technical specifications, labelling and nutritional information.
• Coordinate product registration and KEBS Certification with QA.
• Work with Quality Assurance to align NPD activity with FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 requirements.

Costing & Ingredient Sourcing Support

• Develop product costings for new and reformulated products with Finance.
• Partner with Procurement to identify and qualify ingredient suppliers.

Packaging Development Support

• Work with Marketing and suppliers on packaging formats and materials.
• Test product-packaging compatibility and stability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing on brand briefs and go-to-market timelines.
• Coordinate with Production and Engineering on process feasibility and line trials.
• Liaise with Procurement, Suppliers and Sales as required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain formulation records, trial data and Master Formulation Cards.
• Prepare NPD pipeline status reports and present updates to Management.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor food trends, competitor products and consumer preferences.
• Recommend innovation opportunities aligned with Company strategy.

Key Legislation, Regulations & Standards Applicable to this Role

• Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254)
• Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) product standards
• Public Health Act
• Codex Alimentarius guidelines
• FSSC 22000
• ISO 22000
• HACCP
• GMP

Minimum QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science & Technology, Dairy Science & Technology, Food Engineering, or a related discipline (Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Chemistry).
• Postgraduate qualification an advantage.

Professional Certifications

• HACCP Certification.
• FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 Internal Auditor (Advantageous).

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' R&D/NPD experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience in Dairy products (Ice Cream, Yogurt), Culinary Sauces and/or Chocolate/Confectionery preferred.
• Experience taking products from concept through to commercial launch.
• Experience working with KEBS and Kenyan food regulatory requirements