Food & Beverage Project Manager (Remote)

Location: Lagos (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Food Technology & Manufacturing
Reports To: Managing Partner
Works Closely With: Business Development Lead; Operations Team; Regulatory / QA Teams; Clients

Role Purpose

• The Food & Beverage Project Manager is responsible for leading and delivering end-to-end food product and manufacturing projects across the company’s consulting portfolio.
• This is a project execution and client-facing role, not just a technical function.
• The role holder will manage multiple client engagements simultaneouslyensuring that food products move from concept to market successfully, while also driving commercial outcomes, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• The ideal candidate combines strong project management capability with practical food industry experience, and understands how to translate technical work into timelines, deliverables, and measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution:

• Develop clear project plans, timelines, budgets, and deliverables for each client engagement.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Track project milestones, manage risks, and ensure delivery within agreed timelines.
• Lead and manage end-to-end food & beverage projects — from concept, development, and validation to production and market launch.

Product Development Oversight:

• Work with technical teams to guide formulation, testing, and product refinement.
• Ensure products meet quality, safety, and commercial standards.
• Support cost optimization and product improvement initiatives.
• Oversee new product development (NPD) processes — ensuring concepts are viable, scalable, and market-ready.

Regulatory & Compliance Coordination:

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks early in the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate regulatory submissions, documentation, and approvals.
• Ensure all projects align with NAFDAC, SON, and food safety standards (HACCP, GMP).

Manufacturing & Process Execution:

• Ensure SOPs and production systems are properly implemented.
• Support clients in scaling products from pilot to full production.
• Conduct site visits and provide process improvement recommendations.
• Work with operations teams to improve production efficiency, yield, and quality.

Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage client expectations, communication, and deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client projects.
• Translate technical outputs into clear business value for clients.
• Lead project meetings, provide updates, and ensure alignment at all stages.

Commercial & Business Support:

• Support proposal development, costing, and project scoping.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business and upsell services.
• Ensure each project contributes to revenue generation and client retention.

Reporting & Performance Management:

• Submit monthly reports covering project status, risks, and outcomes.
• Track key performance metrics: timelines, delivery quality, and client satisfaction.
• Provide weekly project updates to management.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

• 4–7 years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, or project management.
• Proven experience managing projects from concept to launch.
• Experience working in FMCG, manufacturing, or consulting environments is an advantage.

Industry Knowledg:
Working knowledge of:

• NAFDAC regulations and product registration.
• Food production and manufacturing processes.
• Food safety systems (HACCP, GMP).

Core Competencies:

• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Behavioural & Leadership.
• Regulatory coordination.
• Data analysis and reporting.
• Process and operations understanding.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Strong execution and delivery focus.
• High level of accountability and ownership.
• Food product lifecycle understanding.
• Project management and execution.
• Technical & Functional.

What We're Looking For:

• Someone who can own projects end-to-end, not just contribute.
• A balance of technical understanding and commercial awareness leading to business revenue generation.
• A professional who understands that speed, structure, and results matter.
• A candidate who can operate in a fast-paced, multi-client environment.