Background

Tropikal Brands is a truly African and Kenyan company. Having been in the market for more than 20 years, we have a proud heritage and an even brighter future lit by our ambitious plans to be the leading manufacturer of household, personal care, food and baby products and distributor of quality multinational brands.

Role Context

The R&D Assistant will support end-to-end FMCG product development activities, from concept and formulation through pilot trials, scale-up, validation, and commercialization. The role requires a hands-on individual with strong laboratory, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills to support timely delivery of market-ready products.

Responsibilities

• Product Development & Formulation
  • Support development of new and improved FMCG products.
  • Conduct lab trials, benchmarking, and reformulation.
  • Prepare prototypes for testing and review.
• End-to-End Project Support
  • Assist across the product lifecycle from concept to launch.
  • Support pilot trials, scale-up, and factory runs.
  • Aid in R&D to manufacturing transfer.
• Testing & Documentation
  • Perform physical, chemical, and performance tests.
  • Support stability and shelf-life studies.
  • Maintain accurate reports and specifications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, and Regulatory teams.
  • Support troubleshooting during production.
• Compliance & Improvement
  • Follow GMP, ISO, and safety standards.
  • Maintain lab safety and organization.
  • Contribute to cost and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1-3 years' experience in FMCG R&D, product development, laboratory, or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to end-to-end product development (lab to factory) is required.

Key Competencies

• Basic formulation and product testing knowledge.
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO, and food or personal care safety standards.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data recording systems. Hands-on, detail-oriented, proactive, and team-focused.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.

• Product Development & Formulation
  • Support development of new and improved FMCG products.
  • Conduct lab trials, benchmarking, and reformulation.
  • Prepare prototypes for testing and review.
• End-to-End Project Support
  • Assist across the product lifecycle from concept to launch.
  • Support pilot trials, scale-up, and factory runs.
  • Aid in R&D to manufacturing transfer.
• Testing & Documentation
  • Perform physical, chemical, and performance tests.
  • Support stability and shelf-life studies.
  • Maintain accurate reports and specifications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, and Regulatory teams.
  • Support troubleshooting during production.
• Compliance & Improvement
  • Follow GMP, ISO, and safety standards.
  • Maintain lab safety and organization.
  • Contribute to cost and process improvements.

• Basic formulation and product testing knowledge.
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO, and food or personal care safety standards.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data recording systems.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, proactive, and team-focused.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1-3 years' experience in FMCG R&D, product development, laboratory, or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to end-to-end product development (lab to factory) is required.