Junior Product Development Technologist

I&J Limited; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading seafood company in South Africa is looking for a Junior Product Development Technologist to support new product research and development. The role requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in food development and a relevant diploma or degree. Emphasizing sustainability and community impact, this position plays a key role in innovation while ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a food development environment.
• Matric / Grade 12.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing a robust innovation pipeline.
• Create products aligned to business strategy that will fuel growth.
• Implement all new product development into factories.
• Organise samples for testing.
• Ensure compliance with food standards.

Skills

Food development experience

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

National Higher Diploma in Food Technology

BSC Food Service Degree

Job description

At I&J, part of AVI, we combine close to 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

• Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
• Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
• Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

An exciting opportunity exists for a JUNIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIST at I&J, Head Office to be based in Woodstock, Cape Town. The purpose of this position is to assist the Product Development Technologists with research, development, and testing of new products and processes, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Senior Research and Development Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

• Assist in developing a robust innovation pipeline.
• Assist Product Development Technologists to create products aligned to business strategy that will fuel growth and earnings of the company.
• Assist Product Development Technologists to create products aligned to export customers New Product Development (NPD) briefs.
• Assist with implementing cost and efficiency opportunities in products consistent with quality principles.
• Assist with implementation of all new product development into factories - Factory Trials, Pre-Productions and 1st Productions.
• Collate data from the different stages of development and generate trial plans and trial results.
• Organise retention samples from different stages of development.
• Organise samples to be sent for testing.
• Product Manual:

Responsible for collating data for the process manufacturing specifications to be generated.
Ad hoc audit checks to ensure products made as per the Product Manual demands.

• Organise tastings of samples at different stages of development.

Quality Management

• Adhering to Research and Development (R&D) Quality Manual and ensuring it's compliant to the latest versions of International Food Standard (IFS) and British Retail Consortium (BRC) requirements.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a food development environment

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Completed National Higher Diploma in Food Technology or BSC Food Service Degree

Take the Next Step with I&J

Join us to shape the future of South African seafood while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment and be part of a team committed to excellence and making a positive impact.