Research and Development Manager

About the role

The Research and Development Manager will lead Kemin’s animal nutrition R&D team across Sub‑Saharan Africa. This senior role focuses on delivering innovative, science‑based solutions that improve animal health, feed efficiency and customer performance while aligning with global strategy and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional R&D strategy that supports Kemin’s global innovation priorities.
• Identify new product opportunities in feed safety, milling optimization, feed additives, premixes and nutritional solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to keep the portfolio competitive.
• Lead product innovation, adaptation and validation for local species and production systems, overseeing formulation, trial design, data analysis and commercial readiness.
• Design and manage in‑vivo and in‑vitro trials with research institutions, farms and partners, ensuring scientific, statistical, ethical and regulatory compliance.
• Interpret trial results, translate data into actionable insights for commercial teams and publish findings to strengthen market credibility.
• Coach and develop the regional R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure all R&D activities comply with local regulatory frameworks and Kemin’s global quality standards.
• Partner with commercial and technical services teams to support product positioning, launches, training and customer trials.
• Manage the R&D project portfolio, tracking timelines, budgets, risks and delivering regular reports to senior leadership.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in animal nutrition, veterinary science, agronomy or a related field.
• Proven experience leading R&D teams in the animal feed or agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of feed additive regulations and registration processes in Sub‑Saharan Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to design and interpret both in‑vivo and in‑vitro experiments.
• Excellent communication skills to translate scientific data into clear value propositions for customers and internal stakeholders.

Required skills

• Scientific research methodology (in‑vivo and in‑vitro trial design).
• Data analysis and statistical interpretation.
• Product formulation and validation.
• Regulatory compliance for feed additives.