Product Application Specialist - Zambia

SUMMARY:
Product Application Specialist - Zambia

POSITION INFO:

Location: Zambia
Reporting to: Direct Report: General Manager – Zambia, Alternatively Managing Director - Zambia
Position: Product Applications Specialist

Basic Salary: USD 3,000 per month (paid in Zambian Kwacha, subject to PAYE and government levies).

Annual Bonus: At the discretion of the Chairman, based on company performance.

Accommodation: USD 1,000 monthly housing allowance (inflation reviewed). Utilities at candidate’s cost.

Motor Vehicle: Company vehicle (Toyota Vanguard or similar) with full running costs for business use.

Medical Cover: 100% company-paid medical aid (Platinum Plus Plan with SES or similar).

Leave: 24 working days per year, as per Zambian Labour Act.

Travel: Flights/accommodation for business travel + 2 annual return economy flights from Lusaka to Cape Town.

Other Benefits: Cellphone/data allowance, laptop, home internet contribution.

Main Purpose of the Job:

Responsible for product development and technical support in the meat and dairy sectors across Zambia and Neighbouring Countries, including hands-on NPD, on-site implementation, and building strong customer relationships to drive growth and innovation.

Requirements

BSc in Nutrition & Food Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or Biological Sciences (focus on foodstuffs).
MSc in a related field advantageous.
3–5 years’ hands-on experience in meat and/or dairy processing.
Proven background in New Product Development (NPD): recipe formulation, sensory analysis, recipe revamps, and product matching (taste, texture, colour, aroma).
HACCP knowledge with practical application.
Experience in customer-facing technical support and project management.
Prior exposure to African working environments advantageous.
Valid driver’s licence and passport (minimum 4–5 years validity).
Willing to travel within Zambia and across Africa (Neighbouring Countries when required)

Key Responsibilities:

Lead product development and applications in the meat and dairy sector.
Conduct on-site technical support, trials, and implementations at customer facilities.
Apply HACCP and food safety standards in all development and production processes.
Build, manage, and retain strong customer relationships to support long-term growth.
Coordinate and deliver development projects within agreed timelines.
Support the Exports team in driving innovation and market expansion across Zambia and Neighbouring Countries when required.
Build and Maintain strong Supplier relationships while identifying New Ingredient Applications and sourcing Ingredient Suppliers to drive product innovation & secure additional market growth.