Group Technical Services Manager

About the role

Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group (SOTG) is seeking a Group Technical Services Manager to lead the optimisation of wheat flour products for West and Central African markets. The role combines technical expertise in flour and bakery science with cross‑functional project leadership to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and apply cost‑effective micro‑ingredient solutions to meet client product specifications.
• Collaborate with grain procurement, quality, and QA teams to identify performance issues and ensure food‑safety compliance.
• Lead cross‑functional projects involving Innovation, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality.
• Prepare technical trip reports and maintain database inputs.
• Set up and supervise baking centres, ensuring equipment, staff, and methods meet company standards.
• Oversee analytical, rheological, and baking processes for each production lot.
• Manage baking school programmes in Dakar and Ivory Coast.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment calibration with external vendors.
• Provide technical support and training to affiliate bakers and service personnel.
• Identify purchasing opportunities for micro‑ingredients and plan supplies to avoid stock‑outs.
• Monitor trends in bakery ingredient technology and product development.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in baking formulation, bakery technical services, or flour technical services.
• Proven ability to interpret flour and dough analyses and translate findings into product impact.
• Strong knowledge of enzyme applications and current bakery ingredient technologies.

Required skills

• Flour analysis and interpretation
• Baking formulation expertise
• Micro‑ingredient application
• Food safety and regulatory compliance
• Laboratory equipment calibration
• Rheological testing