Innovation & Product Development Specialist (Reference Number V- 0138)

Reference Number V- 0138

Job Title: Innovation & Product Development Specialist
Location: South Africa or Zimbabwe
Contract: Six-Month Contract with Potential for Full-Time Employment
Salary: To be determined based on experience

About N/UM
N/UM is a pioneering gourmet brand dedicated to bringing the rich culinary heritage of Africa to the global stage. Our products, including our signature artisanal salts, are crafted using indigenous African ingredients and reflect a deep respect for tradition and innovation. At N/UM, we are committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and celebrating the flavors and stories that make African cuisine extraordinary.

Job Overview
N/UM is seeking a passionate and skilled Innovation & Product Development Specialist to lead the research and development of new products, beginning with artisanal salts and expanding to other offerings that incorporate indigenous African ingredients. This role provides an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic startup environment, driving innovation and bringing African culinary traditions to a global audience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development: Drive the ideation, formulation, and optimization of unique food products that highlight indigenous African ingredients.
2. Research & Innovation: Conduct in-depth research on ingredient functionalities, flavor profiles, and market trends to guide product innovation.
3. Sensory Testing: Organize and execute sensory evaluations, gathering feedback to ensure product excellence and market readiness.
4. Ingredient Sourcing: Collaborate with local suppliers to ethically source high-quality ingredients, in line with N/UM’s commitment to sustainability.
5. Project Management: Oversee the product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, supply chain, and external partners to align product development with brand strategy.
7. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance existing products and introduce new concepts to keep N/UM at the forefront of culinary innovation.

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, or a related field.

Experience:

1. Demonstrated experience in food product development, particularly with artisanal or culturally inspired products.
2. Experience in a startup or agile environment is a plus.
3. Familiarity with indigenous African ingredients and culinary traditions is highly valued.

Skills:

1. Strong project management and organizational abilities.
2. Creative and analytical skills to drive innovation.
3. Expertise in sensory testing and product optimization.
4. Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse teams.

Attributes

1. Cultural Appreciation: A passion for African culinary heritage and the ability to innovate while respecting cultural traditions.
2. Self-Motivated: Proactive and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.
3. Adaptability: Flexible and open to evolving roles as the company grows.

Benefits

1. Impactful Work: Contribute to a brand that is redefining African cuisine for a global audience.
2. Career Growth: Potential for full-time employment based on performance and company needs.
3. Mission-Driven Culture: Join a team committed to sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation.

Application Instructions
To apply, please send your resume to hello@n-umorigins.co. We look forward to hearing from you!

Equal Opportunity Employment
N/UM is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Reference Number V- 0138