About Company
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company, driven by a clear purpose: unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. With a presence in over 186 countries, including a significant footprint in Nigeria for over 60 years, Nestlé is committed to delivering high-quality, nutritious, and safe food products to millions. Our portfolio in Nigeria includes beloved brands across various categories like infant nutrition, cereals, coffee, dairy, and culinary products. At Nestlé, we foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainability, ensuring that our operations not only contribute to the well-being of our consumers but also to the communities where we operate. Joining Nestlé means becoming part of a global family dedicated to making a tangible difference through superior product development and responsible business practices.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Food Technologist to join our dynamic R&D and Quality Assurance team in Port Harcourt. This is an urgent hiring, reflecting our immediate need to strengthen our technical capabilities and accelerate key projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the research, development, and improvement of our diverse range of food products, ensuring they meet Nestlé’s rigorous quality standards, comply with local and international regulations, and delight our consumers.
As a Food Technologist at Nestlé, you will be instrumental in driving innovation from concept to market, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain. Your expertise will be crucial in optimizing existing recipes, developing new product formulations, conducting sensory evaluations, and implementing advanced food processing techniques. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and nutritional integrity of our products throughout their lifecycle. This role demands a proactive individual with a strong understanding of food science principles, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a passion for creating impactful food solutions. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to contribute to a company that touches billions of lives, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our legacy of excellence in nutrition, health, and wellness.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and participate in the development and optimization of new and existing food products, from concept generation to commercialization.
- Conduct thorough research on raw materials, ingredients, and processing technologies to enhance product quality, nutritional value, and cost-effectiveness.
- Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and provide scientific insights to troubleshoot product and process issues.
- Ensure all products meet Nestlé's internal quality standards, food safety regulations (e.g., NAFDAC, Codex Alimentarius), and consumer expectations.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale up production processes, monitor quality control points, and ensure consistency in product manufacturing.
- Perform sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies to assess product characteristics and stability over time.
- Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including product specifications, processing parameters, and regulatory compliance reports.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and scientific advancements in food science and technology.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 4 years of proven experience in food product development, quality assurance, or R&D within the food manufacturing industry.
- Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, processing technologies, and nutrition principles.
- Proficiency in laboratory testing procedures and data analysis.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Food Science or a related discipline.
- Experience with HACCP, ISO 22000, or other food safety management systems.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficiency in sensory evaluation techniques and statistical software.
- Experience with various food categories such as dairy, cereals, or culinary products.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Access to Nestlé employee product discounts.
- A vibrant and inclusive work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their resume and cover letter directly through the Nestlé career portal. Please use the search function on the careers page to look for ‘Food Technologist’ roles in ‘Nigeria’ or ‘Port Harcourt’. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.