Head of Research & Innovation – West Africa at Fan Milk Plc (A Danone Company)

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

• Lead the design, formulation, and launch of innovative dairy and beverage products tailored to West African markets.

• Translate consumer insights and nutritional trends into viable product concepts.

• Manage pilot trials, prototype testing, and product optimization to ensure quality, taste, and affordability.

2. Research and Market Insights

• Conduct in-depth market studies and monitor emerging food trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors.

• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure that R&D outcomes align with consumer preferences and business goals.

• Partner with universities, research centers, and suppliers to drive innovation through scientific collaboration.

3. Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all products meet regulatory, nutritional, and food safety standards set by local and international authorities.

• Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to maintain product consistency and reliability across production lines.

4. Team Leadership and Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse R&D team across West Africa.

• Foster a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and high performance.

• Oversee budget planning, performance metrics, and strategic resource allocation within the innovation department.

5. Sustainability and Process Optimization

• Drive Danone’s sustainability agenda by developing eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient production techniques.

• Promote local sourcing of raw materials and ingredients where possible.

• 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:

• 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:

  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Adaptability to dynamic business environments.

  • High attention to detail and quality assurance.

• 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:

• Attractive base salary and performance-based incentives

• Health and wellness benefits

• Retirement and insurance plans

• Professional development and international training opportunities

• 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:

• Work on projects that promote healthier eating habits across Africa.

• Collaborate with passionate experts in nutrition, sustainability, and technology.

• Be part of a company that values diversity, inclusion, and employee growth.

• Gain exposure to international R&D best practices and cutting-edge technologies.

• Play a vital role in improving the lives of consumers through nutritious and sustainable food solutions.

Tips for Applicants

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements in product innovation, R&D leadership, or market expansion projects.

2. Show Impact: Use measurable results—such as percentage growth, cost reduction, or product success rates—to demonstrate your effectiveness.

3. Research Danone’s Values: The company prioritizes sustainability, health, and inclusivity. Align your cover letter with these themes.

4. 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.

Apply Now