Recruitment at Food Concepts

Food Concepts commenced operations in 2001. From inception, our aim has been clear-cut and focused: to revolutionize the food sector in West Africa and to deliver extraordinary satisfaction to our stakeholders.

Since launching in 2004, Chicken Republic (Subsidiary of Food concepts) has already opened 55 stores in Nigeria and Ghana. On this basis, we are proud of the brand’s hard-earned reputation as the fastest growing chicken QSR in West Africa and the number 1 chicken QSR in Nigeria (both in revenues and number of outlets). In addition, Chicken Republic was ranked as one of Nigeria’s top 20 brands across all categories (Financial Standards Awards 2009).

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Manager, New Product Development

Requisition ID: 1724
Location: Nigeria
Grade Level: 8
Job type: Full-time
Department: Marketing
Reporting to: Marketing Director

Job Purpose

• The Senior Manager, New Product Development at Food Concepts Plc will be responsible for leading the creation and execution of innovative new products within our organization and coordinating all stages of product development for the Food Concepts Food portfolio, from concept stage to market-ready.
• The job holder will work cross-functionally to align product design with customer needs and business goals, ensuring that each phase of development meets quality, cost, and timeline objectives.
• He/she will assess the industry landscape, review existing products, evaluate the performance of our products, and assess opportunities for improvement.

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas
Product Development & Modification:

• Bring new product concepts to life, developing products that are scalable for launch into all our restaurants across the country.
• Identify opportunities for optimisation and development within our existing product range, ensuring that our products always deliver great experiences for our customers.
• Applies scientific principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of foods.
• Ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.
• Conducts basic research, plus new product research and development of foods.
• Studies methods to improve the quality of foods, like flavour, colour, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
• Tests new products in the test kitchen as well as develops specific processing methods in laboratory pilot plant, and confers with process engineers, flavour experts, and packaging marketing specialists to resolve problems.
• Specialize in new product development, matching and quality.
• Oversee in-house R&D activities, including formulation, prototyping, testing, and optimization of new products.
• Prepare presentations and tasting sheets for submissions.

Market Analysis and Consumer Insights:

• Managing stakeholder communication, providing regular updates on product progress and milestones
• Monitoring product performance post-launch and incorporating feedback into future development.
• Continuously analyzing competitive offerings and market dynamics to inform product innovation and updates.
• Continuously improve FC’s food range, look for improvements’ basis of competition benchmarking, consumer feedback, review, and rating.
• Interpret consumer insights and feedback to inform product design, features, and positioning.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes impacting product development

Project management:

• Manage the end-to-end new product development process, including project timelines, milestones, and budgets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, operations, and regulatory, to ensure alignment and progress.
• Project management from brief to restaurant launch, collaborating with a full cross-functional team in the process with opportunities to present your projects to management and franchisees.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans to keep projects on track.
• Manage projects and develop products according to customer briefs and requirements within the timeline commitment.
• Support marketing in promoting the product by doing recipe demos (online/offline), help with recipe video shoots, photoshoots, packaging, etc

Regulatory compliance:

• Responsible for ensuring that all products and new raw materials comply with regulatory requirements and that all documentation and certification are kept up to date.
• Ensure all products comply with technical, regulatory and cost criteria set out by the customer, the law, and internal procedures
• Prepare reports for Management review as set out by the Management Report procedure in ISO

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of Company Sales, EBITDA, GP, PAT targets
• Achievement of the Marketing Department’s budget/targets/objectives
• Achievement of Individual Personal Development Plans

Job Specifications
Educational Requirements:

• A good first degree in Food Science or a related field
•  Possession of a postgraduate degree in Marketing/Business Administration or an equivalent degree is an added advantage

Professional Requirements:

• Any related professional qualification is required.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 5-7 years in product development within the QSR industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership role experience; Proven experience in product development, preferably within the food or consumer goods industry is a plus.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Must have solid written and oral communication, and organization skills
• Capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, completing them efficiently and on time
• Requires a self-motivated and highly collaborative individual
• Capability of designing, implementing, and analysing primary research
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, managing multiple partners (countries) that requires different levels of support
• Strong project management and Microsoft Office computer skills
• Strong knowledge of the QSR industry market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Exceptional project management, communication, and negotiation skills
• Ability to think strategically, drive results, and make data-driven decisions
• Experience in expanding product lines and managing relationships with other brands and suppliers.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Investigation & Counter Fraud Professional

Requisition ID: 1864
Location: Nigeria
Job type: Full-time
Department: Internal Audit
Reporting to: Head of Internal Audit
Direct Reports: Internal Audit Associates

Job Purpose

• The Investigation Manager/Counter Fraud Professional will be responsible for leading and managing investigations into fraudulent activities, professional misconduct, and policy violations.
• This role will focus on identifying, preventing, and mitigating risks associated with occupational fraud, ensuring compliance with company policies, and safeguarding the organization’s assets and reputation

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas
Fraud Prevention and Detection:

• Develop and implement strategies to prevent and detect fraudulent activities within the organization.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify areas susceptible to occupational fraud.
• Monitor transactions and operations for irregularities and unusual activities.
• Conduct training and awareness programs for employees on occupational fraud prevention
• Liaise with other departments, such as finance, HR, and operations, to address fraud-related issues.
• Act as the point of contact for all fraud-related inquiries and concerns.
• Provide expert advice and support to management on fraud prevention and investigation matters.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in fraud prevention and investigation.
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance the organization’s antifraud capabilities.
• Identify and assess occupational fraud risks and develop controls to mitigate them.
• Recommend improvements to internal controls and processes to prevent occupational fraud.
• Partner with other departments to improve governance and occupational fraud risk management frameworks.

Investigation Management:

• Lead and manage internal investigations related to occupational fraud, theft, misconduct, and policy violations.
• Conduct investigative audits of financial records, operations, and systems to detect fraud, mismanagement, or non-compliance.
• Utilize forensic accounting techniques to trace and analyse complex financial transactions.
• Gather, preserve, and present evidence that is admissible in legal proceedings.
• Work with external forensic experts when necessary to deepen the investigation.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies when necessary.

Counter Fraud and Blocking of Revenue Leakages:

• Identify and investigate revenue leakage points such as fraudulent transactions, pilferage, or misreporting of sales.
• Conduct periodic assessment of applications that process and report sales and remittances to ensure data integrity, accuracy and completeness
• Develop and implement counter-fraud strategies, including the use of technology and data analytics to monitor and flag suspicious activities.
• Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to close loopholes that may lead to revenue loss.
• Conduct periodic reviews and audits to ensure ongoing compliance and prevent recurrence of identified fraud risks.

Key Performance Indicators

• Number of cases of allegations from management request and Hotlines compared to the number completed and reported.
• Percentage of recommendations implemented to reduce incidences of occupational fraud.
• Number of repeat occurrences of fraud or other forms of malpractices after investigation and reporting of fraud incidences.
• No of days spent on investigation exercise from the date of commencement to the date of completion of field work and final reporting.
• Participants percentage score on satisfaction survey for training session on counter fraud and related topics.

Knowledge & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of fraud detection, investigation techniques, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Proficiency in forensic analysis, data review tools, and fraud prevention systems.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and ethical standards related to fraud and investigations.
• Ability to prepare concise reports, maintain accurate records, and present findings effectively.
• Awareness of industry-specific fraud risks, cybersecurity threats, and risk management frameworks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, Finance, Law, Criminology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Professional certification or membership of forensic associations, for example, Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors of Nigeria (CIFIAN) or similar body.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fraud investigation, forensic investigation, and investigative audit.

Decision Expectations:

• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Mastery of report writing and presentation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using investigation tools and software.
• Ability to provide litigation support
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills to manage complex investigations and oversee fraud management strategies.
• A high level of integrity and ethical conduct in handling sensitive information and dealing with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Jobholder typically work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, although there may involve weekend or evening work. This role is largely office-based, although at times the individual may require travel to meetings held off-site, as the company has more than one office.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Shift Quality Inspector

Requisition ID: 2002
Location: Nigeria
Grade: 2
Department: Shared Services Department
Reports to (Title): Quality Assurance Manager
Direct Report: QHSE Operatives, QHSE Interns

Job Purpose

• To maintain quality standards by ensuring conformity to standard operating procedures, GHP and cGMP and assessing in-process production, finished products and recording the results.

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas
Quality Control:

• Maintain Shift continuity and control the shift quality/EHS function until when the RELIVER or DESIGNATE resumes duty
• Ensure discipline in the department, example: wearing uniform, wearing badges, using of proper tools, and to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
• Ensure effective co-ordination with all the sections within the department, for effective service to other departments/divisions/units
• Ensure good housekeeping and cleanliness in the area of control at all time
• Adhere to all the safety and environment regulations within and around the production area
• Ensure calibration of all the measuring and weighing equipment under direct control of the supply chain division are carried out regularly
• Ensure and maintain all operations, and assigned technical documents
• Always ensure strict conformity to cGMP and GHP
• Develop a measurable standard for assigned materials and processes
• Ensure conformity of all raw materials and packaging materials to specification before usage at the production shop floor
• Ensure strict compliance to FC process standards, such as Operation Alert, SIC (Short Interval Control), and carry out on the spot checks on processes and materials before clearance for use/dispatch
• Report any non-conformity beyond his competence to the superior without assumption
• Approve all finished products by confirming specifications and conducting required tests
• Ensure effective coordination and discipline in the section within the department under supervision by enforcing the use of required PPE
• Ensure strict compliance to FC process standards, such as Operation Alert, SIC (Short Interval Control), and carry out on the spot checks on processes and materials before clearance for dispatch
• Verify proper record keeping of all monitoring documents such as SIC and temperature/humidity monitoring charts
• Write daily required reports for example; daily, weekly, monthly or any periodic reports and submit to the appropriate authority
• Whenever required, he/she will cater for regulatory activities with the government agencies
• Ensure strict adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements
• Ensure strict adherence to the requirements of the ISO 22000, 9001, 14001 and 45000 as well as other company adopted quality system

Decision Expectations:

• Executes and oversees inspection and testing of incoming and out-going product to confirm quality conformance to specifications and quality deliverables
• Hold any non-conforming product or process, in consultation with the line Manager, and in the absence of the line manager, his/her decision shall remain substantive

Key Performance Indicators

• Increased Productivity
• Reduction of waste
• Impact Indicator – Rate of Customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Rate of Quality and Value delivered to customers

Job Specifications

• Educational Requirements
  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural/Physical Science or Manufacturing management is required
• Experience Requirements
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role
• Professional Requirements
  • Possession of any relevant certification is an added advantage

Contacts and Purpose of Contact

• Internal Contacts (most frequent contacts)
  • Line Managers
  • Shift Quality Associate
  • SCD Managers
  • Employees
• External Contacts (most frequent contacts)
  • Service Providers/ Vendors
• Purpose of Contact
  • Exchange or provide information
  • Obtain, clarify, and discuss information
  • Present, discuss information and problems
  • Collaborate, negotiate, and present ideas

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online