Food Technologist

Phoenix Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly skilled professional to lead the development of innovative food products while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This role requires a deep understanding of food science and technology, as well as the ability to manage complex supply chains effectively. With a focus on maintaining brand integrity and product excellence, you will work closely with suppliers and production teams to implement cutting-edge processes and ensure optimal food safety. If you are passionate about food innovation and have a track record of success in the industry, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of relevant industry experience in food science or technology.
• Understanding of food processing and quality management.

Responsibilities

• Maintain brand integrity and product safety while developing innovative products.
• Manage technical functions and lead product audits to ensure quality.

Skills

Food Safety Management

Risk Management

Quality Control

Technical Communication

Root Cause Analysis

Cold Chain Management

HACCP Knowledge

GMP Knowledge

Education

BSc Food Science

BTech Food Technology

Job description

Duties :

1. Maintaining brand integrity, product safety, and risk mitigation.
2. Establish an innovative, safe, and technically led product plan and category strategy.
3. Develop products that are at the technological cutting edge, innovative, and high quality, which adhere to the brands values of quality, freshness, innovation, inspiration, food safety, and value.
4. Manage and monitor technical functions to meet the technical plan, product plan, and ultimately the category strategy.
5. Technical communication and liaison with the buying team, suppliers, production facilities, and farm.
6. Positively influence all contributing aspects of the supply chain to optimise quality and food safety.
7. Lead product and process audits, including the formulation of specifications.
8. Quality monitoring and reporting.
9. Provide technical input into category, technical, and supplier strategies and ensure effective implementation.
10. Develop packaging that conforms to legislation, correct nutritional information, and date marking / coding.
11. Supplier sourcing and approval based on basic hygiene and risk management.
12. Shelf-life assessment and implementation.
13. Ensure supplier and farm supply production efficiencies and quality management.
14. Source and approve raw material according to specifications and allergen management guidelines.
15. Troubleshoot quality issues and perform root cause analyses.
16. Uphold international standards for food manufacturing and processing, using cutting-edge equipment and processing technology knowledge and experience.

Requirements :

1. BSc Food Science or BTech Food Technology Degree.
2. At least 8-10 years experience.
3. Retail Sector background will be an advantage.
4. Proven, relevant industry experience and knowledge across a wide range of products.
5. Understanding of high- and low-risk food processing and efficient segregation.
6. Understanding of cold chain management and critical control factors regarding maintenance of food products in optimum state.
7. Practical experience in and understanding of different food preparation stages and processes.
8. Knowledge of technical processes and principles, i.e., HACCP, GMP, root cause analysis, supply chain, raw materials, micro and listeria management.
9. Technical product knowledge, i.e., product characteristics, raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality and safety parameters.
10. Knowledge of packaging functionality and application.
11. Understanding of environmental management and sustainability.
12. Fluent in Afrikaans with excellent verbal and written communication skills.