Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Formulation
- Develop and optimize probiotic soda recipes achieving target CFU counts (1 billion+ per serving) with 6+ month ambient shelf stability
- Source and evaluate probiotic cultures, sweeteners, and flavoring ingredients from local and regional supplier
- Create product specifications balancing taste profile, health efficacy, production feasibility, and cost targets
- Design and execute sensory testing protocols for consumer validation
Production & Quality Systems
- Design a production process that allows for efficient production from day 1 and scales with the needs of the company
- Design quality control procedures including microbial testing, CFU verification, and shelf-life validation
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all production processes
- Implement HACCP framework and prepare facility for KEBS certification
Regulatory & Compliance
- Lead KEBS product & production certification process including documentation, testing, and facility inspection preparation
- Navigate regulatory requirements for health claims and probiotic labeling
- Maintain compliance records and prepare for periodic regulatory audits
Scale-Up & Operations
- Specify equipment requirements for Phase 1 production (500,000L annual capacity)
- Evaluate and recommend co-packing partnerships as alternative or complement to owned production
- Develop tech transfer documentation for production scaling
RequirementsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
- 5+ years experience in food/beverage product development
- Prior experience in beverage manufacturing at commercial scale
- Hands-on experience with live cultures, probiotics, or fermented beverages (kombucha, kefir, yogurt, or similar)
- Working knowledge of KEBS certification processes and Kenyan food safety regulations
- Experience developing and implementing HACCP or similar food safety systems
- Strong analytical skills and comfort with laboratory testing procedures
Preferred
- Master's degree in Food Science or related discipline
- Experience with carbonation and bottling processes
- Existing relationships with ingredient suppliers, testing laboratories, or regulatory consultants in Kenya
- Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity in startup environments