The Head of R&D leads Komari’s consumer research function, building a deep, dynamic understanding of Ethiopia’s beverage landscape and translating that insight into innovation strategy. This role is responsible for uncovering emotional drivers, taste shifts, and consumption moments that shape product relevance and brand resonance. 

Purpose of Role

To position consumer research at the heart of Komari’s innovation strategy, ensuring every product reflects lived experience, emotional connection, and cultural resonance. The Head of R&D will build in-house research capabilities, lead exploratory and evaluative studies, and guide the business toward emotionally intelligent, market-ready innovation.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Consumer Research Leadership

• Design and lead in-house research programs that explore emotional associations, regional taste preferences, and consumption rituals.

• Build Komari’s proprietary research infrastructure, including brand and consumer research, sensory labs, and consumer dashboards.

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies (focus groups, in-depth interviews, taste panels) to guide early-stage concept screening.

Insight Strategy & Portfolio Guidance

• Synthesize research findings into strategic recommendations for category expansion, brand positioning, and pipeline prioritization.

• Define screening criteria and concept evaluation protocols based on consumer relevance and emotional fit.

• Monitor shifts in taste, mood, and consumption context to inform long-term innovation strategy.

• Lead internal reporting and storytelling to ensure insights are accessible, actionable, and embedded across teams.

Capability Building & Team Leadership

• Build and mentor a team of consumer insight analysts, sensory evaluators, and research administrators.

• Develop training programs to build internal fluency in emotional mapping, sensory testing, and behavioral analysis.

• Ensure research processes are rigorous, inclusive, and representative of Ethiopia’s diverse consumer base.

Development as a Research Output

• Guide product development officers and formulation specialists using research-backed briefs and emotional frameworks.

• Oversee rapid iteration cycles (gulp/bottle tests) to validate emotional connection and flavor familiarity.

• Ensure technical development reflects consumer truth, not just feasibility.

Governance & Budget Oversight

• Allocate R&D budget across foundational research, sensory testing, and capability building.

• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, documentation integrity, and strategic clarity.

• Track KPIs including concept relevance, emotional resonance scores, and research-to-launch conversion rates.

Job Requirements

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in [relevant field, e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science, Research, etc.

Experience

•  8+ years of experience in R&D, in market research, preferably in FMCG or beverage sector.

Skill

• Demonstrated success launching consumer-validated products with emotional and cultural relevance.

• Proven ability to scale internal technical capabilities and manage complex project portfolios.

• Strong cross-functional communication, team leadership, and research design skills.

• Experience building dashboards, consumer insight processes, and rapid iteration cycles.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute under ambiguity and shifting market conditions

How To Apply

Those who meet the above requirements can submit their CV to THIS LINK

Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply