Core Lab Development Scientist

Sonicreferencelab; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company in Boksburg is seeking an Assistant Product Development Manager to lead new product development initiatives. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and 3-7 years of industry experience. The role includes managing product quality initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches. This position requires strong knowledge of food safety and quality management principles.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in a food-related FMCG environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality management.
• Participation in sensory and taste evaluation sessions.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end new product development.
• Manage product quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide product support during the product launch cycle.

Skills

Strategic insight

Operational and technical knowledge

Project management

Data analysis

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related

National Diploma in Food Technology

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

SIQALO Foods is seeking to employ an Assistant Product Development Manager. The role will be based in Boksburg and will report to the R&D Product & Process Manager.

Location: Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Reference Number: RCL

Closing Date: 2025/11/03

Job Type: Permanent

Department: R&D

Responsibilities:

• Lead end‑to‑end new product development, from concept brief through prototype trials, sensory evaluation, specification drafting and analytical assessment.
• Manage product quality improvement initiatives and identify cost‑saving opportunities across materials, processes and formulations.
• Provide product and technical support during the entire product launch cycle, coordinating with commercial, marketing, manufacturing and supply‑chain teams.
• Conduct consumer immersion studies, trade audits and strategic supplier engagements to uncover market needs and validate hypotheses.
• Drive cross‑functional project execution, ensuring disciplined gate reviews, milestone tracking and delivery of outcomes that meet safety, quality and budget targets.
• Analyze data on raw materials, equipment capabilities and process flows to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Present actionable insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on formulation and process advances.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• A National Diploma in Food Technology (or equivalent) with substantial industry experience acceptable.
• 3–7 years of experience in a food‑related FMCG environment, preferably with 3 years in an R&D role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality management (GMP, HACCP, CPA, R146) and process optimisation.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Travel flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours in both factory and office settings.
• Participation in sensory and taste evaluation sessions.

Key Skills:

• Strategic insight into emerging market dynamics and consumer behavior.
• Operational and technical knowledge of product categories, recipe architecture and formulation science.
• Project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Data analysis and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.