Junior Food Technologist

Recruitment Matters; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a dedicated professional to enhance product quality and ensure compliance with food safety standards. This role involves developing personal growth plans, managing supplier relationships, and maintaining technical knowledge in the food manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong decision-making skills, effective communication, and a passion for quality. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact product excellence and safety. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to grow in a fast-paced environment while upholding high ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of food safety and packaging legal requirements.
• Ability to manage relationships with customers and suppliers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain personal development plans reflecting company values.
• Assist in maintaining and implementing food safety systems.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Decision Making

Customer Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Self-Motivation

Education

Knowledge of Food Safety

Understanding of Technical Processes

Familiarity with Quality Assurance Systems

Job description

To develop and maintain a personal development plan and supporting behaviors that reflect the values of Rialto.

To manage and deliver the assigned components of the technical business plan, including:

1. Ensuring consistent product quality and conformance to agreed product specifications, acceptance/rejection criteria, and standards of quality and safety for suppliers and customers.
2. Providing clear and timely briefings on technical changes to policies, procedures, and standards to internal customers.

Supplier relationships include:

1. Maintaining good, open relationships.
2. Assisting with the management of service providers.
3. Monitoring product quality and taking proactive corrective actions.
4. Requesting and filing COA / COCs for all channels.

Maintaining and enhancing technical knowledge, including:

1. Remaining up-to-date with technical changes in the manufacturing industry.
2. Using technical food knowledge to ensure the manufacture of safe products to a standard.
3. Applying knowledge of food product and packaging law to ensure legal compliance.

To assist in maintaining and implementing the food safety system at Rialto Bolt Avenue:

1. Completing checklists (pest control, daily start-up hygiene checks, spot checks, building and maintenance checks, production scales checks, etc.).
2. Training production staff on food safety and quality procedures.
3. Record keeping and filing of service providers' SLAs.
4. Reporting and logging non-conformances.
5. Assisting with technical duties from various technologists:
6. Traceability, recalls, and withdrawals.
7. Monitoring and proactively responding to customer complaints.
8. Supporting NPD projects during the technical phase.

Internal auditing – participating in external audits (ISO 22000) and assisting with closing out non-conformances.

Quality Control:

1. Communicating and following up on quality concerns.
2. Implementing system improvements.
3. Ensuring product quality aligns with the quality contract and labeling requirements.

Key Skills:

1. Ability to translate technical knowledge into professional decisions, advice, and sound judgments.
2. Making key decisions based on expertise and experience in a fast-paced environment.
3. Managing relationships with customers and suppliers.
4. Communicating clearly and confidently, including making presentations.
5. Managing information systems and processes.
6. Demonstrating concern for business values and ethical standards.
7. Strong attention to detail.
8. Passion for products and achieving excellence.
9. Setting high personal standards, being focused and self-motivated.
10. Willingness to work additional hours.

Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of technical processes and procedures.
2. Knowledge of food safety and packaging legal requirements.
3. Knowledge of labeling requirements.
4. Understanding of the technical role in product development.
5. Knowledge of technical food manufacturing processes.
6. Familiarity with quality assurance and control systems.
7. Knowledge of technical food safety auditing (desirable).