Assistant Research & Development Manager (FMCG)

Job description

Expat Opportunity | Zambia | FMCG (Confectionery & Baking)

Who are we
A leading FMCG business with a strong footprint across Africa, focused on producing high-quality confectionery and baking products.

Who are we looking for
An experienced R&D professional from the chocolate, biscuit, or broader snack manufacturing industry, with a passion for product innovation and quality.

What will you do

• Support new product development and improve existing confectionery and baked products

• Run lab, pilot, and production trials, including formulation and scale-up

• Conduct sensory evaluations, shelf-life testing, and product optimisation

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (GMP, HACCP, ISO)

• Work closely with QA/QC on product quality and process improvements

• Manage packaging inputs, nutritional labelling, and regulatory requirements

• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, reports, and specifications

What do you need

• Degree in Food Science

• 8–10 years’ R&D experience in FMCG (ideally chocolate, biscuits, or snacks)

• Strong understanding of food chemistry and ingredient functionality

• Experience with product formulation, trials, and commercialisation

• SAP proficiency

• Strong problem-solving and project management skills

Requirements

• Development

• Quality Control

• Research

• Food Science