Food Scientist / Production Manager

Midvaal Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Production Manager in Gauteng. The role involves managing all stages of the distillation and production process, ensuring compliance with quality standards and safety regulations. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related fields, with strong lab skills and experience in fermentation or distillation processes. This is a key position for ensuring product innovation and sustainability in production.

Qualifications

• Experience in fermentation / distillation processes is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all stages of the distillation and production process.
• Plan and schedule production in line with quality standards and output targets.
• Apply food science and chemistry principles to develop and optimize distillation formulas.
• Ensure full compliance with local food safety and environmental regulations.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production and quality reports.

Skills

Strong lab skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field

Master’s degree (preferred for senior roles)

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

Production Management

• Oversee and manage all stages of the distillation and production process (fermentation, distillation, blending, filtration, maturation, and bottling).
• Plan and schedule production in line with quality standards, safety regulations, and output targets.
• Supervise production staff, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and efficient workflow.
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Control raw material usage, yield, and wastage to maintain production efficiency and cost targets.

Food Science & Quality Control

• Apply food science and chemistry principles to develop and optimize distillation formulas, fermentation processes, and flavor profiles.
• Conduct regular testing of raw materials, intermediates, and final products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.).
• Manage sensory evaluations and ensure consistency in taste, aroma, and product characteristics.
• Investigate and resolve production or quality deviations, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with laboratories to ensure analytical accuracy and quality documentation.

Product Development & Innovation

• Collaborate with R&D teams to create new products, flavor blends, or process improvements.
• Research and apply new distillation or fermentation technologies to enhance product quality and production efficiency.
• Support brand development through technical input on recipes, ingredients, and processing techniques.

Compliance, Safety & Sustainability

• Ensure full compliance with local food safety, health, and environmental regulations (including excise and licensing laws).
• Enforce hygiene, sanitation, and occupational health and safety practices throughout the plant.
• Drive sustainability initiatives such as water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Reporting & Administration

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production and quality reports for management.
• Manage production budgets, cost control, and inventory planning.
• Participate in audits, supplier evaluations, and continuous improvement programs (Lean, 5S, etc.).

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field (Master’s preferred for senior roles).
• Experience in fermentation / distillation processes is a plus.
• Strong lab skills, analytical instruments experience.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory environments.
• Good problem-solving, communication, teamwork.