Career Opportunities: New Product Development Officer (2080)

Requisition ID 2080 - Posted  - Nigeria

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Job Description of New Product Development officer

 

Job Title:

New Product Development officer

Location:

Head Office

Grade Level:

 

Department:

Marketing

Reports to (Title):

New Product Development Manager

Direct Reports:

, Interns

 

Job Purpose

To support the NPD team in the development, testing, documentation, and commercialization of new food products. The NPD Officer will assist in bench-to-pilot trials, data collection, process documentation, and cross-functional coordination under the guidance of the NPD Manager, ensuring all activities align with quality, safety, and brand standards.

 

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas

Product Development, Testing & Process Support

• Assist in conducting bench, kitchen, and pilot production trials for new and improved products.
• Prepare and maintain standardized recipe cards, technical sheets, and development logs.
• Monitor local and global food trends and support brainstorming sessions with the NPD team.
• Assist in conducting bench, kitchen, and pilot production trials for new and improved products.
• Conduct structured sensory evaluations (taste, texture, aroma, appearance) and accurately record results.
• Support shelf-life and stability testing protocols under supervision.
• Assist in translating kitchen recipes into production-scale processes and help draft SOPs, work instructions, and process flow documents.
• Support production teams during trial runs, document observations, and flag process challenges for review.
• Liaise with QA/QC to ensure products meet internal quality and safety benchmarks before launch.

 

Quality Assurance, Compliance & Raw Material Management

• Assist in evaluating new ingredients against technical specifications and cost targets.
• Maintain an up-to-date raw material and specification database.
• Maintain accurate, traceable records of all development activities and trial outcomes.
• Prepare product specifications, BOMs, and draft labeling content for regulatory review.
• Support compliance with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, GHP) and internal audit requirements.
• Assist in collecting post-launch feedback and performance data for review.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate with Production, QA, Procurement, and Marketing teams to schedule trials and prepare for launches.
• Support Marketing with product fact sheets, positioning inputs, and internal tasting sessions.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to progress reporting.
• Support cost-tracking, yield analysis, and recipe optimization projects under guidance.
• Identify documentation gaps or process inefficiencies and recommend updates.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely completion of assigned bench/pilot trials per project schedule
• 100% accuracy and completeness of technical documentation (recipes, BOMs, SOPs)
• Positive cross-functional feedback on coordination and communication support
• Full adherence to safety, hygiene, and quality protocols during all trials
• Contribution to team targets for on-time product launches and successful trial runs
• Completion of assigned training modules in food safety, NPD processes, and sensory evaluation

 

Knowledge Requirements

Functional Competencies

• Foundational knowledge of food science, recipe development, and sensory evaluation
• Basic understanding of food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, GHP)
• Familiarity with food costing, yield calculations, and documentation standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data recording tools

General Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to fast-paced trial environments
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate across departments
• Resilient under pressure and responsive to feedback

 

 

Requirements

Educational Requirements

Professional Requirements

Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Pure/Applied Chemistry, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, or related field

 

0–2 years relevant experience (academic projects, internships, or industrial attachments count)

• Fresh graduates with strong practical lab/kitchen experience are encouraged to apply

           

 

 

Decision Expectations

• Daily adjustments during bench/kitchen trials (e.g., minor ingredient ratios, mixing times, temperature tweaks) based on observed results
• Documentation accuracy and version control for recipes, BOMs, and trial logs
• Immediate flagging of process deviations, safety concerns, or quality anomalies during pilot runs
• Scheduling coordination for cross-functional trial sessions and internal tastings
• Adherence to hygiene, GMP, and HACCP protocols during all development activitie

 

Working Conditions

The Job holder typically work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, although some roles may involve weekend or evening work.

This role is largely office-based, as it involves a lot of large data gathering, analysis and reporting.

 

Contacts and Purpose of Contact

Internal Contacts (most frequent contacts)

Purpose of Contact

• Production / Operations Team
• Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)
• Supply Chain Team
• Marketing
• Finance / Costing Analyst
• Senior Management /Leadership
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Officer

 

• Exchange or provide information
• Obtain, clarify, and discuss information
• Present, discuss information and problems
• Collaborate, negotiate and present ideas
• Deal with influence or motivate subordinates
• Promote, justify or settle highly sensitive matters

External Contacts (most frequent contacts)

• Ingredient / Raw Material Suppliers
• Contract Manufacturers / Co-Packers
• Sensory / Consumer Testing Agencies
• Regulatory Bodies (e.g., NAFDAC, SON, EFSA, FDA)
• Industry Associations / Trade Bodies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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