Chef, Culinary & Stimulating Beverage at Sonia Foods Industries

About the Position

We are seeking a dynamic Culinary Chef & Beverage Specialist to join our expanding team. This role focuses on the preparation, evaluation, and development of our own brand products, competitor analysis, and new product development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and evaluate products developed by the Product Development team, provide suggestions for improvements, and maintain records according to SOP
• Blend and pack new products while maintaining proper documentation
• Execute culinary product applications and plan activities aligned with organizational objectives
• Evaluate own brand and competitor products across culinary, beverage, and other categories; record observations in a timely manner
• Visit food service establishments and customer locations to gather feedback and document observations
• Conduct in-house sensory evaluations and taste panels to assess product quality and recommend improvements
• Record inward materials and manage storage according to established practices
• Monitor fresh raw materials, processed materials, and consumables; generate monthly indents
• Maintain daily activity records and documentation
• Generate cookbooks and develop new recipes using industrial culinary ingredients
• Create cost-effective recipes for customers

Cross-Functional Collaboration

You will work closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Consumer Insights, and Consumer Testing teams to ensure alignment across all functions.

Technical Knowledge & Scope

• Learn about major industrial ingredients and their applications in culinary and beverage products
• Understand factors affecting food ingredient quality
• Master sensory evaluation techniques and taste panel methodologies

Sanitary & Hygiene Standards

• Follow industrial kitchen guidelines and personal hygiene practices in accordance with US FDA and EURO standards
• Maintain cleanliness of utensils and equipment

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel within Lagos for market visits and trade shows
• Collaborate with consumers and demonstrate culinary arts
• Meet with suppliers to discuss food ingredient performance