R&D Specialist (Water, Refined Soya Oil, Crude & Refined Palm Kernel Oil, Animal Feeds)

Johnvents Foods Limited launched Johnvents Pure Cocoa Powder, an everyday beverage that provides 100% cocoa nourishment. It acquired and set up a cocoa product factory in Idanre for the production of Oluji Pure Cocoa Powder, Johnvents Chocolate drink, Cocoa Pops, Cocoa Cube, and other cocoa-based consumer products.

At Johnvents Foods, the goal is to create nourishing experiences that foster happiness, build bonds and nurture unforgettable moments. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion, enjoying an intimate dinner for two, or simply treating yourself to a moment of food bliss, you can be sure of an unforgettable moment filled with nourishment, innovative flavors, treasured memories, and sensational experiences. This is because we believe food is a catalyst for creating meaningful experiences that nourish both the body and the soul.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: R&D Specialist (Water, Refined Soya Oil, Crude & Refined Palm Kernel Oil, Animal Feeds)

Location: Owo, Ondo
Department: Research & Development (R&D)
Reports To: R&D Lead

Job Summary

• The role focuses on developing and improving products, optimizing manufacturing processes, evaluating raw materials, conducting trials, and ensuring compliance with quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• The R&D Specialist is responsible for supporting research, product development, process improvement, and technical innovation activities across the company's portfolio of:
  • Animal Feed Products
  • Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO)
  • Packaged Drinking Water
  • Refined Soya Oil
  • Refined Palm Kernel Oil (RPKO)

Key Responsibilities
Product Development and Improvement:

• Improve existing products to enhance quality, functionality, nutritional value, and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare technical reports and product development documentation.
• Conduct laboratory and plant-scale trials for new product development projects.
• Develop new products and formulations in line with business objectives and market requirements.
• Support commercialization activities and successful product launches.

Water Product Development:

• Support the development and improvement of bottled water products.
• Conduct studies on water treatment processes including:
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO)
  • Ozonation
  • UV Treatment
  • Filtration
• Participate in shelf-life and packaging validation studies.
• Monitor water quality parameters and regulatory compliance.

Edible Oils Development:

• Evaluate refining efficiency and oil quality improvement initiatives.
• Support process optimization for:
  • Refined Soya Oil
  • Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO)
  • Refined Palm Kernel Oil (RPKO)
• Conduct trials on yield improvement and process optimization.
• Monitor critical quality parameters including:
  • Free Fatty Acid (FFA)
  • Color
  • Iodine Value
  • Peroxide Value
  • Moisture Content

Animal Feed Research and Development:

• Conduct feed performance and nutritional assessment studies.
• Monitor feed quality, digestibility, and production performance indicators.
• Evaluate alternative and cost-effective raw material sources.
• Assist in feed formulation and optimization activities.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate product and process deviations and propose solutions.
• Support waste reduction and yield improvement projects.
• Analyze production data and recommend corrective actions.

Laboratory and Technical Support:

• Prepare technical specifications and test methods.
• Conduct laboratory testing and validation studies.
• Analyze raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Maintain accurate records of trials, research findings, and technical data.

Raw Material and Supplier Evaluation:

• Develop raw material specifications.
• Evaluate new raw materials and alternative ingredients.
• Support procurement through technical evaluations and recommendations.
• Conduct supplier qualification and technical assessments.

Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance:

• Assist in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
• Participate in root cause investigations related to quality issues.
• Support internal and external audits.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry

Experience:

• Experience in laboratory analysis, product formulation, and process optimization is highly desirable.
• 3–7 years of relevant experience in:
  • Research & Development
  • Water Treatment Operations
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Animal Feed Manufacturing
  • Edible Oil Processing

Technical Competencies:
Industry Knowledge:

• Animal Feed Formulation
• Water Treatment Technology
• Palm Kernel Oil Processing
• Soya Oil Processing
• Food Safety Systems
• Edible Oil Refining Processes

Technical Skills:

• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Laboratory Testing Techniques
• HACCP and GMP
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Shelf-life Studies
• Planning and Organization.
• Product Formulation
• Technical Report Writing
• Root Cause Analysis