Research and Development Officer

Job Summary

The R&D Officer is responsible for supporting research, product development, supplier evaluation, and project coordination activities within the Research & Development Department. The role involves liaising with suppliers, gathering technical information, conducting product and market research, coordinating trials and approvals, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring timely follow-up of ongoing R&D activities to support innovation and product enhancement initiatives across NAFFCO.

Key Responsibilities

Daily and Routine Tasks

• Respond to departmental emails and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate with suppliers regarding technical information, product specifications, quotations, samples, testing requirements, technical clarifications, and project requirements.

• Request, collect, review, organize, analyze, and distribute relevant technical and commercial information from suppliers

• Review supplier websites, product catalogs, datasheets, certifications, and technical documentation.

• Monitor and follow up on pending activities, supplier responses, and project milestones until closure.

• Schedule and coordinate meetings with suppliers, engineers, and relevant stakeholders.

• Update and maintain records of ongoing projects, development activities, and supplier communications.

Weekly and Monthly Responsibilities

• Ensure proper closure and documentation of completed projects and packages.

• Prepare project summaries and monitor the status of ongoing and pending activities.

• Compile and submit monthly R&D department progress reports.

• Coordinate and participate in departmental review and progress meetings.

• Track project deliverables and ensure adherence to established timelines.

• Identify delays, pending decisions, missing information, and potential project risks and escalate them to the concerned person.

Research and Development Functions

• Evaluate suppliers and manufacturers based on technical capability, product suitability, certifications, quality, availability, application experience, and technical support.

• Conduct market research on new products, materials, technologies, and industry trends relevant to NAFFCO products.

• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to support technical evaluation, product development, and engineering decision-making.

• Compare supplier quotations, technical specifications, certifications, performance data, application suitability, interface requirements, and compliance requirements.

• Research alternative products, components, materials, and suppliers to support cost optimization and product improvement initiatives.

• Coordinate product evaluations, testing, supplier demonstrations, product trials, approvals, and implementation activities.

• Support the engineering team during new product development and product improvement activities.

• Support the preparation and review of technical specifications, product requirements, datasheets.

• Support the preparation and review of Bills of Materials (BOMs), component lists, technical comparison sheets, and product documentation.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain and update running job reports and project tracking records.

• Collect technical literature, product information, and supplier contacts from exhibitions and technical events.

• Prepare technical and product evaluation reports following exhibitions or supplier visits.

• Coordinate follow-up actions with suppliers and relevant internal stakeholders.

• Develop supplier comparison reports and product benchmarking analyses.

• Generate monthly departmental progress reports and presentation materials.

• Ensure proper documentation and filing of technical information, supplier communications, test results, approvals, project records, and revisions.

Coordination and Communication

• Coordinate with engineering teams through designated project coordinators.

• Arrange and facilitate supplier product demonstrations, meetings, and trials.

• Liaise with cross-functional departments to ensure smooth execution of R&D initiatives.

• Support collaboration between suppliers, engineers, quality, production, and procurement teams.

Systems and Tools

• Microsoft Outlook

• Microsoft Teams

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Canva

• Internet-based research tools and supplier portals

• AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT

• Online technical resources including YouTube and supplier knowledge platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 2-5 years of experience in Research & Development, Product Development, Technical Coordination, Procurement, or a related role.

• Experience working with suppliers, technical documentation, and project coordination is preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical research and analytical skills.

• Excellent communication and supplier management abilities.

• Strong coordination and follow-up skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

• Ability to analyze technical data, product specifications, technical drawings, datasheets, manuals, certificates, and supplier information.

• Report preparation and presentation skills.

• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with AI-based productivity tools and digital research platforms.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team

• Professional development, training and career progression opportunities

• Supportive environment that values continuous improvement and knowledge sharing