Food Scientist / Mayonnaise Product Development Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Food Scientist, Food Technologist, or Commercial Mayonnaise Formulation Specialist to develop a high-quality mayonnaise recipe for our growing food manufacturing business in Burundi. The successful candidate must have proven experience in commercial mayonnaise production and be able to create a stable, safe, and cost-effective formulation suitable for large-scale manufacturing. Responsibilities * Develop a commercial mayonnaise formula with precise ingredient percentages. * Provide a complete list of ingredients, including emulsifiers, stabilizers, preservatives, and optional flavoring ingredients. * Design the formulation for excellent taste, texture, color, and long-term emulsion stability. * Develop formulas for: * Regular mayonnaise * Premium mayonnaise * Cost-effective mayonnaise (optional) * Provide a detailed step-by-step manufacturing process from raw materials to final packaging. * Specify: * Mixing order * Mixing speed * Mixing time * Recommended temperatures * Critical control points * Recommend the appropriate production equipment. * Specify target quality parameters, including: * pH * Viscosity * Oil percentage * Shelf-life expectations * Recommend suitable preservatives and explain their correct usage. * Provide food safety and sanitation procedures. * Assist with product optimization until the desired quality is achieved. Deliverables The selected consultant must provide: * A complete commercial mayonnaise formula with exact percentages. * Batch calculations for: * 10 kg * 25 kg * 50 kg * 100 kg * Complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). * Ingredient specifications. * Processing instructions. * Quality Control (QC) checklist. * Shelf-life recommendations. * Packaging recommendations. * Storage recommendations. * Troubleshooting guide for common production issues such as emulsion breakage, separation, thin texture, or excessive thickness. * Production cost optimization recommendations. Required Qualifications * Degree or equivalent experience in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a related field. * Proven experience developing commercial mayonnaise or similar emulsion-based products. * Strong knowledge of emulsifiers, stabilizers, preservatives, and food additives. * Experience scaling recipes from laboratory development to commercial production. * Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and food safety standards. * Ability to provide documentation suitable for manufacturing. Preferred Qualifications * Experience working with food manufacturers in Africa or emerging markets. * Experience reducing production costs without sacrificing product quality. * Knowledge of ingredient sourcing for East Africa. * Experience supporting regulatory compliance and product labeling. Project Goal Our objective is to launch a premium-quality mayonnaise brand manufactured in Burundi that delivers excellent taste, smooth texture, long shelf life, and consistent quality while remaining cost-effective to produce. We are looking for an expert who can provide a professional, production-ready formulation and manufacturing process—not a home recipe. The final formulation should be suitable for commercial-scale production and capable of being replicated consistently in a food manufacturing facility. If you have experience developing successful mayonnaise products for commercial brands, we would love to hear from you. Please include examples of similar projects, your relevant experience, and your estimated timeline for completing this project.