Location: Abidjan, Nestlé Research and Development Center, Cote d’Ivoire

Company: Nestlé Research and Development Center, Abidjan
Position Type: Full-time
Minimum Educational qualification: Minimum of a master’s degree (Bac + 4/5) in design or equivalent.

Minimum Relevant work experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience working at Nestlé or with an external design agency / industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

Joining Nestlé means you are joining the largest food and Beverage Company in the world.  At our very core, we are a human company driven by our purpose to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. 

Nestlé is currently looking for a Research and Development Design Specialist to contribute, lead or manage design fab lab and support the Research & Development Center’s Innovation and Renovation projects, explorations and workshops.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

 - Design Innovation Lead

• Support major Innovation and Renovation projects including front end innovation exploration, accelerator projects and product development projects.
• Drive and perform innovation and concept building sessions.
• Master and execute the creation of concepts, 2D /3D assets and digital interfaces.
• Perform or externalize the creation and the production of physical and digital mock-ups and prototypes.
• Manage the design lab equipment and stationery and keep it operational.
• Organize, prepare, lead and execute visualizations during creative workshops.
• Evaluate and propose new design tools, methodologies, and equipment.
• Proactively share, evaluate and inspire others on new tools (including digital and AI tools), trends and ideas.
• Coach and transfer design know how and knowledge to all team members and beyond.
• Secure IP with a protection plan of concepts and ideas when relevant.

 - People and Know-how

• Promote and integrate design thinking culture and methodology within Nestlé R&D Centre and with Nestlé regional teams.
• Proactively evaluate and implement new Research & Development (R&D) design knowledge, tools and methodologies.
• Be an active participant in Nestlé Research & Development (R&D) design community of practice and lead some activities in the community.
• Identify gaps into teams’ performance and knowledge and implement solutions.
• Build connections and partnership opportunities to maintain and grow our external design network.

 - Design Project Management

• Understand the true need behind a request and reformulate it appropriately.
• Estimate and schedule workload with key milestones autonomously.
• Manage priorities and resources to ensure timely and high-quality deliveries.
• Take a lead position in the design to affirm the "designer's voice".
• Participate in the alignment of methods and good practices in PM with stakeholders.
• Proactively evaluate and implement new design project management tools and methodologies for the team.

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?  

• Minimum of a master’s degree (Bac + 4/5) in design or equivalent.
• 5 years’ experience working at Nestlé or with an external design agency / industry.

• Experience with Nestlé brands, products and people.
• Hands-on knowledge on product development processes within a research & development (R&D) environment.
• Successfully supported several projects, giving design recommendations and solutions.
• Ability to organize and facilitate ideation sessions.
• Successful execution of design activities in the scope of cross-functional projects by giving design solutions, ideas and recommendations.
• Good understanding of FMCG industry.
• Active participation in formal networking.
• Experience in design agency or start-up.
• Knowledge of Nestlé business, categories, and organization.
• Significant experience in building and maintaining networking.

How do I apply?

“Nestlé is an equal opportunity employer, seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, age, religion, nationality, disability or perceived disability, medical condition, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law”.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The closing date for application is June 10, 2025.