Company Description

BigTree Beverages is one of the largest beverage companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a wide portfolio that includes cola, flavored carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, juices, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages. The company focuses on delivering high-quality products that appeal to diverse consumer preferences and occasions. Guided by the “drink different” ideology, BigTree Beverages prioritizes innovation in beverage solutions that reflect contemporary lifestyles. The organization encourages creativity and consumer-centric thinking, giving people more choice and flexibility in how they enjoy beverages. Team members join a dynamic environment that values product excellence and market growth.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Head of Research and Development (R&D) based in Lusaka. The Head of R&D will lead the development of new beverage products and the improvement of existing formulations, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, regulatory standards, and consumer expectations. Daily responsibilities include overseeing research projects, designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and translating insights into actionable product concepts. The role involves managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary R&D team, coordinating cross-functionally with marketing, operations, quality, and supply chain to bring products from concept to launch. The Head of R&D will also manage project timelines and budgets, evaluate new ingredients and technologies, maintain compliance with safety and quality regulations, and drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the R&D function.

Qualifications

• Strong Research and Development (R&D) and Research skills, with demonstrated experience in product formulation, testing, and validation in the food or beverage industry.
• Excellent Analytical Skills to interpret experimental data, consumer insights, and market trends, and to make evidence-based decisions.
• Proven Team Management capabilities, including leading, coaching, and developing diverse technical teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid Project Management skills to plan, prioritize, and deliver multiple R&D initiatives on time and within budget.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Knowledge of beverage manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements relevant to non-alcoholic beverages.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Experience with innovation pipelines, stage-gate processes, and commercialization of new products is highly beneficial.
• Comfort working on-site in Lusaka and engaging directly with production, quality, and operations teams.

• Overseeing research projects
• Designing and executing experiments
• Analyzing data
• Translating insights into actionable product concepts
• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary R&D team
• Coordinating cross-functionally with marketing, operations, quality, and supply chain to bring products from concept to launch
• Managing project timelines and budgets
• Evaluating new ingredients and technologies
• Maintaining compliance with safety and quality regulations
• Driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the R&D function

• Research and Development (R&D)
• Product formulation
• Product testing
• Product validation
• Analytical Skills
• Team Management
• Project Management
• Communication
• Stakeholder management
• Innovation pipelines
• Stage-gate processes
• Commercialization of new products

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Knowledge of beverage manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements relevant to non-alcoholic beverages.