Job Vacancy: R&D Specialist (Edible Oils & Soaps)

Industry: Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full-time

Gross Salary: Kshs. 70,000 – 100,000

Location: Mombasa Road, Nairobi

Role Overview

Our client is a premier manufacturer in the edible oils and soaps sector, recognized for high-quality consumer goods and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are seeking an R&D Specialist who is passionate about translating scientific concepts into tangible products on retail shelves. This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you will bridge the gap between creative chemistry and industrial production. You will be responsible for the end-to-end innovation cycle—from initial prototyping and plant trials to supplier optimization and market benchmarking.

The Role

Product Innovation & Formulation

• Transform market gaps into viable product concepts and lead the development cycle from ideation to commercial launch.

• Conduct rigorous hands-on prototype testing and oversee pilot trials within the plant environment.

• Develop and manage detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) and comprehensive technical product specifications.

• Optimize existing formulations to enhance performance, skin-feel (for soaps), or nutritional quality (for oils).

Supplier Excellence & Supply Chain Resilience

• Scout and validate alternative suppliers for raw materials and packaging to ensure cost-efficiency and quality.

• Test and approve new raw materials, ensuring they meet the firm’s stringent performance standards.

• Collaborate with the supply chain team to diversify material sources, enhancing the firm's resilience against market volatility.

Process Engineering & Market Intelligence

• Design and execute process improvement initiatives to boost manufacturing efficiency and reduce waste.

• Conduct competitor benchmarking and regular market visits to stay ahead of consumer trends and positioning.

• Analyze emerging global trends in surfactants, oils, and sustainable packaging to inspire future product roadmaps.

Technical Governance & Collaboration

• Maintain meticulous, structured R&D documentation for all projects to ensure knowledge transfer and traceability.

• Ensure all new developments comply strictly with ISO standards, KEBS requirements, and other statutory regulations.

• Partner with Production and Quality Assurance teams to conduct root-cause analyses for any product or material deviations.

Qualifications & Experience

Professional Profile

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical & Process Engineering, Food Science & Technology, or a related field.

• Certification: Project Management certification is considered a significant added advantage.

• Experience: 2–5 years of progressive experience in R&D or product development within a manufacturing setting.

• Technical Savvy: Strong understanding of product formulation, technical specifications, and laboratory testing protocols.

Essential Criteria

• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with KEBS standards and ISO quality management systems.

• Problem Solving: A highly analytical mind capable of troubleshooting complex chemical or process-related issues.

• Project Management: Ability to balance multiple innovation projects simultaneously in a high-speed environment.

• Communication: Refined stakeholder management skills to facilitate collaboration between the lab, the plant, and the market.

Incentives & Strategic Value

• Remuneration: A competitive salary range of Kshs. 70,000 – 100,000.

• Innovation Culture: Work in an environment that actively encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving.

• Career Impact: Play a visible role in shaping the consumer product landscape in East Africa.

• Dynamic Workday: A stimulating mix of laboratory research, industrial plant trials, and field-based market research.

If you are a creative scientist ready to transform ideas into market-leading products, please submit your application via the company’s career page before 20th April 2026.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.