R&D Manager / Food Scientist Job Tropical Heat

AI summary

Tropical Heat is hiring an R&D Manager / Food Scientist to lead product development across snacks, spices, and seasonings. The role involves new product formulation, quality improvement, and scale-up to production. Requires 5-8 years of food product development experience and a degree in Food Science or related field.

• Lead development of new food products from concept to launch
• Hands-on formulation, sensory evaluation, and stability testing
• Minimum 5 years experience in food R&D required
• Familiarity with HACCP, ISO, FSSC, and regulatory labelling

Description

Job Title: R&D Manager / Food Scientist Date Posted: 10/07/2026 Job Type: Full Time Job Level: Management Employer: Tropical Heat Industry: Quality Control Salary: Open Location: Nairobi Country: Kenya Deadline: 24/07/2026 Summary: Looking for a quality control job in Kenya? Tropical Heat is hiring an R&D Manager / Food Scientist skilled in product formulation, food safety compliance, quality improvement, and new product development. Summary The Company is seeking an innovative and technically strong R&D Manager / Food Scientist to lead product development across snacks, spices, seasonings, herbs, and new categories. This role is responsible for developing new products, improving existing formulations, ensuring product consistency, and supporting scale-up from pilot trials to full production. The R&D Manager will combine hands-on formulation work with strong project management and cross-functional collaboration. Key Responsibilities Lead development of new products from concept to launch across snacks, spices, and seasoning categories. Conduct formulation work, ingredient selection, trials, sensory evaluations, and stability testing. Improve existing products for flavour, texture, quality, cost optimisation, and compliance. Work closely with Production to scale formulations to commercial manufacturing. Prepare and maintain accurate formulations, technical data sheets, and product specifications. Collaborate with Quality, Procurement, and Marketing on product performance, regulatory requirements, and claims. Manage the R&D lab, equipment, samples, trials, and documentation systems. Benchmark competitor products, track global trends, and propose new product opportunities. Coordinate product shelf-life studies, allergen assessments, and risk evaluations. Lead factory trials, prepare trial reports, and ensure successful handover to operations. Support customer presentations, product demonstrations, and technical training where required. Ensure all formulations adhere to internal standards, regulatory guidelines, and food safety requirements. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field. Minimum 5 to 8 years’ hands-on experience in food product development. Experience in snacks, seasonings, spices, cereals, or similar FMCG categories is a strong advantage. Strong understanding of ingredients, functional properties, flavour systems, and processing technologies. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple R&D projects in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with HACCP, ISO, FSSC, and regulatory labelling requirements. Personal Attributes Acts with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility. Brings enthusiasm, drive, and a proactive approach to product development. Maintains high attention to detail, accuracy, and quality in formulations and documentation. Organised, disciplined, and consistent in trial planning, reporting, and follow-through. Collaborates well with colleagues across Production, Quality, Procurement, and Marketing. Calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and able to balance technical depth with practical decision making. Shows initiative, adaptability, creativity, and a continuous improvement mindset. How to Apply Click here to apply Browse Related Jobs: Quality Assurance & Reporting Analyst Job Britam Quality Controller Job Winnie’s Pure Health Nairobi, Kenya Jaggery Quality Assurance Officer Job Tana River… Analytical Laboratory Technician Job WTS Energy 🎯 Applying for This Job? Don’t Send a Generic CV. Don’t send the same CV to every job/employer. Have our recruitment team customize your CV to match the requirements of this specific job and improve your chances of getting an interview. Customise My CV For This Job . ⭐ 5-Star Reviews . Job Seeker Testimonials: Professionals Who Got Jobs Through Corporate Staffing Since 2011, Kenyan professionals have trusted Corporate Staffing Services to help them secure employment with leading employers in Kenya and beyond. Read testimonials from candidates who have experienced our recruitment process firsthand and successfully gotten hired through our recruitment services. You Could Be Our Next Success Story . Read How They Got Jobs Through Corporate Staffing GET A JOB FASTER! Applying for a Specific Job? Our recruiters will customise your CV to match the employer's requirements so you can get shortlisted. Customise My CV Used AI to Write Your CV but Not Getting Interviews? Get A FREE CV review and CV Upgrade, plus 3 months job search support from our recruitment team. Contact us today for Free CV Review Do You Have An Upcoming Interview? Get assistance from our experienced HR recruiters. Talk to our team for Interview Preparation & Coaching Browse Top Job Categories Accounting Jobs Administration Jobs Audit Jobs Banking Jobs Communication Jobs Credit Control Jobs Customer Service Jobs Director Jobs Driver Jobs Engineer Jobs Finance Jobs Graphic Designer Jobs Health