Flavourist / Product Development Technologist

Prostaff Holdings; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Johannesburg seeks a skilled flavourist to design and develop innovative flavour systems. The role requires a degree in food science and experience in product development, collaborating with teams across marketing, production, and R&D to create market-preferred products. Applicants should possess strong analytical skills and a proficiency in sensory evaluations.

Benefits

Negotiable salary package

Benefits included

Qualifications

• Degree in food science required.
• Experience as flavourist in product development essential.
• Strong understanding of flavour interactions and sensory science.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative flavour systems and food products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product launches.
• Conduct sensory evaluations to validate flavour profiles.

Skills

Flavour interactions

Food matrices

Sensory science

Analytical tools

Sensory evaluation methodologies

Organizational skills

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

Degree or diploma in food science, chemistry, biochemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Formulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role : A degree or a diploma in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related sciences field is essential for this role.

Previous experience having worked as a flavourist having worked on product development within the sweet industry is essential for the role.

Must have a strong understanding of flavour interactions, food matrices, and sensory science.

Must be proficient using analytical tools and sensory evaluation methodologies.

Must have excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.

A high level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), formulation software, data analysis tools, and laboratory The successful candidate will be responsible for : Designing, developing, and enhancing innovative flavour systems and food products.

The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, quality assurance, production, and regulatory to create consumer-preferred products.

Creating flavour profiles aligned with customer requirements and evolving market trends while ensuring regulatory compliance, sensory quality, and commercial viability.

Formulating new and innovative flavours based on customer briefs, regional preferences, and emerging market trends.

Modifying and optimizing existing flavour profiles to improve product performance, taste, or cost-efficiency.

Ensuring flavour stability across various food and beverage matrices (e.g., dairy, bakery, beverage, confectionery).

Developing, testing, and adapting flavour systems in various product applications to meet specific functionality and sensory requirements.

Collaborating with application technologists and product developers to achieve optimal flavour performance in finished goods.

Conducting sensory evaluations, taste panels, and organoleptic assessments to validate flavour profiles and consumer acceptability.

Leading and participating in sensory panel training and evaluation sessions to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Compiling detailed product specifications, technical datasheets, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, allergen declarations, labelling laws, and customer-specific standards.

Working closely with R&D, sales, marketing, and regulatory teams to support product launches and customer engagement.

Providing technical support and presentations to customers and internal teams during product development or troubleshooting.

Salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable depending on experience gained.