Company Profile

AGROPAL West Africa Limited (AGROPAL) is an agribusiness focused on processing and marketing fruits grown in West Africa for international markets. AGROPAL products are dried fruits (mainly mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and papaya). Our mission is to empower every actor in the agricultural value chain to ensure inclusive development of the sector. Our vision is to see a bubbling agricultural sector in Ghana and West Africa improving economies, providing incomes for people, and enhancing food security and health.

Job Description

• Reports to: Managing Director
• Department:  Research and New Product Development
• Employment Status:  Full-time
• Work Location:   Akuse, Eastern Region
• Employment Start Date:  September 2025

AGROPAL is seeking a dynamic and creative Product Innovations Manager to lead the design, development and execution of new product opportunities. The manager will play a key role in leading the development of innovative products, enhancing product differentiation, aligning offerings with evolving consumer and market trends, and strengthening AGROPAL’s competitive position in global markets.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The hired candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead in the establishment of the Research and New Product Development Department.
• Identify and lead the development of new products within the dried fruits category, including flavour variants, textures, blends, and functional snacks.
• Identify and lead the development of new products outside of the dried fruits category but require the use of dehydration or drying machinery.
• Conduct R&D trials in collaboration with production and quality teams to test prototypes, shelf life, and sensory characteristics.
• Evaluate alternative innovative uses of the company’s by-products.
• Conduct initial market research and competitive analysis to identify market opportunities and potential threats for new product ideas
• Analyze global dried fruit and healthy snack trends to inform product strategy.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to gather feedback from buyers, customers, and trade shows.
• Benchmark AGROPAL’s offerings against local and international competitors.
• Lead the design of functional, attractive, and sustainable packaging formats.
• Collaborate with graphic designers and external partners on packaging artwork that complies with international standards.
• Ensure innovations align with brand values and improve shelf visibility.
• Work closely with the QA team to ensure new products meet international food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, BRCGS, IFS and FDA requirements).
• Coordinate nutritional analysis and labelling compliance with international standards.
• Collaborate with operations and marketing to bring new products from concept to market.
• Prepare innovation roadmaps and business cases for new product lines.
• Monitor post-launch product performance and customer feedback for continuous improvement.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Managing Director

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in food product development, preferably in fruits, snacks, or natural foods.
• Strong understanding of food R&D, processing technologies, and quality systems.
• Innovative thinker with a strong commercial mindset
• Proven experience in commercialising new products for export or consumer markets.