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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.