If you’re passionate about driving product innovation, leading creative teams, and shaping the future of the food and dairy industry, this could be your next big career move. Fan Milk Plc, a member of Danone Group, is hiring a Head of Research & Innovation – West Africa to spearhead product development, consumer research, and regional innovation strategies.
This exciting role, based in Victoria Island, Lagos, offers an opportunity to work within a multinational environment that values creativity, collaboration, and impact-driven innovation.
About Fan Milk Plc and Danone
Fan Milk Plc, a household name in Nigeria and across West Africa, is one of the region’s leading producers of nutritious dairy and frozen food products. Established in 1961, Fan Milk has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality and affordable products, including FanIce, FanChoco, FanYogo, and SuperYogo.
The company operates under Danone, a global food company headquartered in Paris, France. Danone is known for its commitment to health-focused, sustainable, and science-driven innovation. With operations in over 120 countries, Danone combines local market insights with international expertise to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Working at Fan Milk means joining a community dedicated to promoting healthier eating habits and delivering trusted nutrition to millions of people every day.
Job Overview
Job Title: Head of Research & Innovation – West Africa
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time (Onsite)
As the Head of Research & Innovation, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing new products, improving existing ones, and ensuring that innovation aligns with Danone’s global standards and consumer demands in West Africa.
This role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership ability, and market insight. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, research institutions, and external partners to turn ideas into market-ready solutions.
Key Responsibilities
As the Head of Research & Innovation – West Africa, your core responsibilities will include:
1. Product Development and Innovation
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Lead the design, formulation, and launch of innovative dairy and beverage products tailored to West African markets.
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Translate consumer insights and nutritional trends into viable product concepts.
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Manage pilot trials, prototype testing, and product optimization to ensure quality, taste, and affordability.
2. Research and Market Insights
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Conduct in-depth market studies and monitor emerging food trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors.
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Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure that R&D outcomes align with consumer preferences and business goals.
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Partner with universities, research centers, and suppliers to drive innovation through scientific collaboration.
3. Quality, Safety, and Compliance
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Ensure all products meet regulatory, nutritional, and food safety standards set by local and international authorities.
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Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to maintain product consistency and reliability across production lines.
4. Team Leadership and Capability Building
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Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse R&D team across West Africa.
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Foster a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and high performance.
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Oversee budget planning, performance metrics, and strategic resource allocation within the innovation department.
5. Sustainability and Process Optimization
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Drive Danone’s sustainability agenda by developing eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient production techniques.
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Promote local sourcing of raw materials and ingredients where possible.
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Implement lean and efficient research processes to accelerate time-to-market.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, or any related field. -
Experience:
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in Research and Development (R&D) or Product Innovation, preferably within the FMCG, dairy, or food manufacturing industries. -
Technical Competence:
Demonstrated expertise in product formulation, sensory evaluation, and food processing technologies. -
Leadership Skills:
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex innovation projects across multiple countries. -
Soft Skills:
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Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Adaptability to dynamic business environments.
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High attention to detail and quality assurance.
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Tools and Systems:
Familiarity with R&D software tools, data analytics, and digital innovation platforms.
Compensation and Benefits
While the official salary range is competitive and based on experience, employees at Fan Milk enjoy a range of benefits typical of Danone Group’s employment package, which may include:
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Attractive base salary and performance-based incentives
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Health and wellness benefits
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Retirement and insurance plans
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Professional development and international training opportunities
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Exposure to Danone’s global innovation network
Why Join Fan Milk and Danone?
Joining Fan Milk Plc means more than just taking on a new job—it’s about contributing to something bigger. As a member of the Danone family, you will:
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Work on projects that promote healthier eating habits across Africa.
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Collaborate with passionate experts in nutrition, sustainability, and technology.
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Be part of a company that values diversity, inclusion, and employee growth.
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Gain exposure to international R&D best practices and cutting-edge technologies.
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Play a vital role in improving the lives of consumers through nutritious and sustainable food solutions.
Tips for Applicants
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements in product innovation, R&D leadership, or market expansion projects.
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Show Impact: Use measurable results—such as percentage growth, cost reduction, or product success rates—to demonstrate your effectiveness.
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Research Danone’s Values: The company prioritizes sustainability, health, and inclusivity. Align your cover letter with these themes.
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Be Innovation-Driven: Share how you’ve led or participated in transformative ideas that brought measurable value to your organization.
Conclusion
The Head of Research & Innovation – West Africa role at Fan Milk Plc (a Danone Company) is more than just a leadership position—it’s a platform to shape the future of food innovation in Africa.
If you’re driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth, this is an opportunity to join a world-class organization making a real impact in nutrition and food science.
