R&D Manager

Company Overview

Davidorlah Farms is a major agribusiness focused on pineapple farmland sales at scale, pineapple cultivation, and distributing fresh pineapples. The business supports individuals, cooperatives, and agribusiness investors with secure and rewarding farmland ownership options. Through a model that combines owned farmland with active pineapple production, the company allows partners to take part directly in a fast-expanding pineapple market. Its goal is to deliver high-quality pineapples while creating lasting value for customers and partners in a performance-driven environment.

Role Summary

This is a full-time, on-site R&D Manager position based in Lagos State, Nigeria. The role centers on leading research and development efforts aimed at improving pineapple varieties, cultivation methods, and overall farm output. The manager will turn research findings into practical actions for farm operations and work closely with farm leaders, agronomists, and business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The position involves planning and running field trials, reviewing agronomic and market data, and converting insights into usable farm solutions. It also includes building innovation roadmaps, documenting standard operating procedures, and establishing best practices for farm operations. In addition, the R&D Manager will prepare technical documentation, train farm teams on improved methods, ensure adherence to agricultural regulations and standards, and oversee R&D budgets, schedules, and resources.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A master’s degree or PhD will be considered an added advantage. HACCP or food safety certification is also beneficial. The role requires a strong background in research and development and applied research within agriculture, horticulture, or a similar field. Candidates should be members of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and have at least 7 years of R&D experience.

Leadership and Technical Requirements

Strong people management and team leadership experience is important, especially in supervising multidisciplinary teams in farm or agribusiness environments. The ideal candidate must also bring solid project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, monitor, and report on several R&D initiatives. Experience in product formulation, sensory evaluation, market trend analysis, food chemistry, new product development, and pilot plant scaling is required. Familiarity with tropical crops is expected, with pineapple experience preferred. The candidate should also be comfortable with experimental design, data analysis tools, and turning research insights into clear operational procedures.

Communication and Personal Attributes

The role calls for strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder management abilities, along with the capacity to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams. A proactive, solution-focused approach is essential, as well as a strong commitment to sustainability, safety, and regulatory compliance in agricultural operations.

Additional Preferences

Expatriates from Indonesia, the Philippines, Costa Rica, South Africa, and similar backgrounds are preferred.