- Location
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- IT
- Seniority
- Senior
- Source
- Workday
Description
About Ingredion
Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide. Without even realizing it, you have experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you are starting your career or bringing years of experience, there is a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of a team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.
Help shape the future of food innovation in East Africa. In this highly visible role, you will lead our Nairobi Idea Lab, partner with food manufacturers across the region, and play a key role in expanding Ingredion's technical and innovation capabilities as part of our long-term growth strategy.
As Senior Technical Service Technologist, East Africa, you will provide an outstanding technical customer experience and drive innovation through ingredient application, formulation, food process expertise, and the development of customer-centric solutions. This role reports to the Director, Technical Service and Solutions Development Lead EMEA and will initially oversee one direct report, with responsibility for leading a small local Technical Service team.
What you will do
- Act as the lead technical contact for assigned customers and key accounts, building trusted relationships and providing expertise across innovation, troubleshooting, cost optimization, and new business development.
- Lead and further develop the Nairobi Idea Lab, expanding local formulation and pilot plant capabilities while ensuring product quality, food safety, hygiene, regulatory compliance, and effective operations.
- Lead, coach, and develop the local Technical Service team, setting priorities, building capability, and aligning resources with business objectives.
- Plan and execute complex application trials involving formulation, process development, and optimization, with a primary focus on dairy and savory applications while supporting other categories as required.
- Evaluate customer formulations, ingredients, equipment, and manufacturing processes to diagnose technical challenges and recommend practical, science-based solutions.
- Collaborate with commercial teams, distributors, suppliers, and equipment partners to identify growth opportunities, advance projects, and create value across East Africa, both through joint customer visits and independent technical engagement.
- Document technical activities and project outcomes, communicate results clearly to internal and external stakeholders, share expertise, and contribute to continuous improvement across products, processes, and application techniques.
What you will bring
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
- Several years of experience operating at Senior Technologist level in Technical Service, product development, or food applications within the food industry or specialty food ingredients sector.
- Strong technical knowledge of dairy or savory applications, including ingredient functionality, formulation systems, food processing, and relevant equipment.
- A proven track record of delivering successful innovation projects and providing technical support directly to food-industry customers, ideally within a multinational or international business environment.
- Experience leading people, laboratory activities, or technical workstreams, together with the willingness to travel regularly to customers and partners across East Africa, including travel outside Kenya.
Who you are
- A credible technical expert who can translate complex food science into practical customer solutions.
- A customer-focused communicator who builds trusted relationships and presents technical information with clarity.
- A structured and safety-minded leader who can organize people, projects, and laboratory operations effectively.
- An entrepreneurial and commercially aware problem-solver who enjoys building new capabilities, establishing effective ways of working, and moving opportunities forward.
- A collaborative and adaptable colleague who is comfortable working across cultures, functions, and countries.
Why join Ingredion?
Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career, with an exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package: Competitive salary and performance-based pay, recognizing your contributions to our success.
- Comprehensive Benefits and Wellness Support: Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Career Growth: Learning, training, and development opportunities to help you build your career.
- Employee Recognition Program: A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally.
- Employee Referral Program: Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they are hired.
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Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
Relocation Available:
No