Food Technologist (New Product Development)

Exceed Human Resource Consultants; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food consultancy in Paarl is seeking a qualified professional with 5–8 years of experience in ready-to-eat (RTE) product development. Responsibilities include developing innovative products, managing trials, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Food Science or similar qualification and relevant industry experience.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years’ experience in RTE product development.
• Proven industry experience with RTE products.
• Understanding of food processing and segregation practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality products in line with brand values.
• Manage kitchen and factory trials for product development.
• Conduct quality assurance and audits for existing products.

Skills

Product development

Quality assurance

Food safety principles

Root-cause analysis

Recipe development

Education

BSc Food Science or BTech Food Technology

Tools

Food processing technology

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, high-quality products that align with brand values of quality, freshness, innovation, inspiration, food safety, and value.
• Lead recipe development for ready-to-eat (RTE) products.
• Manage kitchen and factory trials, including documentation and chemical analysis.
• Prepare and maintain quality assurance documentation, such as process flows and product specifications for new products.
• Lead product and process audits to improve existing products and ensure consistent high quality.
• Conduct shelf-life assessments and implement findings (microbially and organoleptically).
• Source and approve raw materials according to specifications for new ingredients.
• Troubleshoot quality issues and perform root-cause analyses with the quality team when recipe changes are required.
• Uphold international food manufacturing and processing standards, applying knowledge and experience of cutting-edge equipment and processing technology.

Qualifications

• BSc Food Science, BTech Food Technology, or a Culinary Arts qualification with 5–8 years’ experience (RTE product experience advantageous).
• Proven, relevant industry experience and knowledge across a wide range of RTE products.
• Proven experience in product development, including both kitchen and factory trials.
• Understanding of high- and low-risk food processing and effective segregation practices.
• Experience in driving product improvements.
• Experience in implementing process improvements within a factory environment.
• Understanding of critical control factors and chemical analysis to ensure food products are maintained in their optimum state.
• Working knowledge of packaging functionality and applications.
• Knowledge of food safety principles and practices.

How to Apply

• Email your comprehensive CV to [e-mail].
• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered to avoid duplicity on our system.
• We reserve the right to interview only candidates of choice.
• Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must accept their application as unsuccessful.