Food Technologist

Headhunters; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Food Technologist for a leading FMCG client in Gqeberha. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science or Food Technology and over 5 years of experience in food production or R&D. Key responsibilities include recipe optimization, ingredient sourcing, and leading new product development. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in food production or R&D environment.
• Proven track record of reducing cost of sales.
• Knowledge in recipe optimization and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current product formulations for cost-effective alternatives.
• Research ingredient sourcing to enhance product performance.
• Lead the development and testing of new product lines.
• Monitor production efficiency and implement improvements.
• Apply technical knowledge to extend product shelf-life.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and labeling standards.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for internal teams.

Skills

Food Science expertise

Recipe reformulation

Cost optimization

Product development

Quality assurance

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Science or Food Technology

Job description

Our client operating in the FMCG industry is seeking to employ an experienced Food Technologist to join their team based in Greenbushes, Port Elizabeth.

Candidates applying must have own transport.

Working Hours: 7AM - 4PM.

An awesome opportunity awaits you!

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or relevant experience with reputable entities demonstrating these skills.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a food production or R and D environment (ideally value-added or prepared foods).
• Proven track record of reducing Cost of Sales through recipe reformulation and process optimization.
• Knowledge in, valueengineering, recipe optimisation, product development and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Recipe Value Engineering: Analyse current product formulations to identify high-cost ingredients and recommend functional, cost-effective alternatives that maintain or enhance quality.
• Ingredient Sourcing and Substitution: Research and test alternative ingredients to reduce costs, improve shelf-life, or enhance product performance.
• New Product Development (NPD): Lead the development and testing of new product lines designed for high margin, scalability, and market appeal.
• Yield and Flow Optimization: Monitor production shrinkage and wastage, analyse kitchen and production flows, and implement changes to improve efficiency and output volume.
• Shelf-Life Extension: Apply technical knowledge to naturally extend product shelf-life, reducing returns and wastage.
• Quality Control and Compliance: Ensure all products and reformulations meet relevant food safety, health and safety, and labelling standards, providing technical assurance to customers.
• Industry Expertise: Act as a senior technical resource, bringing industry experience and credibility to internal teams and customer relationships.

Please note: If you do not receive a response within two (2) weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.