Recent Job Openings at Saro Consumer Business (SCB)

Saro, a fast growing and a leading Company in the Agric Value Chain and Consumer Goods in Nigeria aim to recruit Innovation and Product Development Managers in her Consumer Goods Business to Support innovations in Products Developments aimed at Creating More Values to teeming Consumers.

Saro Consumer Business (SCB), is recruiting to fill the position of:


Job Title: Innovation Manager
Location: Lagos
Job Description

• The position of Innovation manager is a leadership and management position within Saro Consumer Goods Business.
• The Innovation manager will be charged with developing and delivering new product plans - from ideation to commercialization, consistent with the mid-long term business plans and from clear Understanding of Target Consumers Tastes, Habits, Trends and Evolution.

• He/ She will undertake research and analysis to assess feasibility of the proposed innovations, assessing alignment to Saro Consumer Business strategy and demonstrating return on investment via Cost - benefit analysis and financial modelling that quantifies potential return on investment.
• He/ She will be responsible for developing innovation budgets in terms of ATL/ BTL, its prudent deployment and ensure that brand objectives are achieved.
• He/ She will be responsible for determining consumer research objectives with regard to existing and new products, initiating market research and integrating research findings to product plans.
• He/ She will work with R&D to formulate cost effective products in line with Saro Consumer Business objectives.
• He/ She will prepare annual product development plans and oversee all innovation projects, tracking project progress, providing assistance and support to the Field Sales Teams and liaising with the SCB leaders to stay abreast of sponsor satisfaction.
• He /She will prepare comprehensive, realistic action plans (as per the agreed project methodology) for implementation within agreed expectations, timelines and budget and report regularly on progress against the action plans.
• He/ She will ensure that required user testing plans and resources are in place to complete detailed User Acceptance Testing and Technical Trials.
• He/ She will regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the project implementation against goals and objectives using a range of qualitative and quantitative measures.

• Dependability- Reliable, responsible and dependable
• Analytical Thinking: Analysing information and using logic to address work related issues and problems
• Attention to Details: Being careful about details and thorough in completing work task
• Initiative: Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges
• Integrity: Being honest and ethical
• Leadership: Willingness to lead, take charge and offer opinions and direction
• Ability to Travel at short notice and take multiple functions at the same time
• Track Record of performance; Speed/Aggression, Accountability, Shared Mind-set, Accountability, Customers Connection, and Strategic Thinking

• Courses/Qualification: BSc Marketing, Business Administration or Social Sciences. MBA will be an advantage
• Relevant Experience: Over 6 years Marketing/Innovation experience in a top rated FMCG companies
• Required Age: 28 - 35 years

• The Product Development Manager is to lead the R&D efforts of Saro Consumer Business (SCB) from its inception to the development of a full range of Personal and Home Care Products, with emphasis on in-home pest control.
• He/ She will be responsible for overseeing raw material sourcing, new product formulations, and development of prototypes for a range of products based on SCB's innovation pipeline

• He/ She will be responsible for the research and development process starting from product concept, preparing prototype sample, laboratory testing, and development of product development investment plan.
• He/ She must establish product design reviews with the aim of simplifying the manufacturing operations, reducing manufacturing cost and possibility of product standardization
• He/ She must coordinate project activities to ensure that they are delivered within specified timelines
• He/ She must collaborate with SCB R&D partners to leverage the potential of applicable research.
• He/ She must ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures.
• He/ She will assess the requirements for new products based on the market needs working cross-functionally with the Marketing team.
• He/ She will be responsible for improving SCB product range and keeping the product range up to date with the new trends in technology whilst phasing out obsolete products.
• He/ She must oversee all activities of laboratory testing, maintaining proper link and coordination between R&D, product design, testing and validation activities.

• B.Sc in Chemistry or Engineering. A Master and or any other further qualification related to R&D is appreciated

• Experience: a minimum of 3 years’ experience in R&D managerial roles in consumer products companies is needed.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a R&D project management role is needed
• Previous experience in consumer-goods company focused on DIY / OEM market channels is appreciated
• Previous experience in innovation is highly appreciated
• A good knowledge of R&D processes and organization in consumer-goods companies is needed

• Dependability Reliable, responsible and dependable
• Analytical Thinking: Analysing information and using logic to address work related issues and problems
• Attention to Details: Being careful about details and thorough in completing work task
• Initiative: Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges
• Integrity: Being honest and ethical
• Leadership: Willingness to lead, take charge and offer opinions and direction
• Ability to Travel at short notice and take multiple functions at the same time
• Track Record of performance; Speed/Aggression, Accountability, Shared Mind-set, Accountability, Customers Connection, and Strategic Thinking
• Required Age: 28 - 35 years.