Process & NPD Technologist

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 50 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic processing company in Atlantis, Western Cape seeks a Process & NPD Technologist. This role supports the transition from product development to manufacturing, ensuring high standards of food safety and quality. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in NPD within the food industry and a relevant tertiary qualification. Strong MS Office skills and effective communication are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changes.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in NPD in the food industry or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with kitchen and factory trials for NPD.
• Provide technical input during development phases.
• Verify raw material compliance and sustainability.
• Conduct nutritional analysis, shelf‑life, and transport tests.

Skills

NPD experience in the food industry

Food safety practices

Proficient in MS Office 365

Communication skills

Time management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Technology, Microbiology, or Consumer Science

Job description

About the job Process & NPD Technologist

Process & NPD Technologist

Atlantis, Western Cape Full-Time, Permanent | Competitive Salary | Immediate Start Preferred

About Our Client

Our client is a dynamic processing company located in Atlantis Industrial, Western Cape. With a global reach, they import and export frozen foods to and from various countries, delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and innovation. The company values integrity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, offering a fast-paced and rewarding environment for growth.

The Role: Process & NPD Technologist

This position is pivotal in bridging the gap between product development and manufacturing. The successful candidate will ensure efficient processes, high standards of food safety and quality, and the technical execution of new product ideas from kitchen trials to commercial production.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with kitchen and factory trials for New Product Development (NPD)
• Provide technical input during development and scale-up phases
• Verify raw material compliance and sustainability
• Conduct nutritional analysis, shelf‑life, and transport tests
• Recommend packaging solutions aligned with product needs
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for product activities
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Conduct sensory testing and interpret client feedback
• Support specification development and packaging checks

About You

• 3–5 years of NPD experience in the food industry or a production environment
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Technology, Microbiology, or Consumer Science
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices and packaging applications
• Proficient in MS Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word)
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem‑solving skills
• Comfortable working under pressure and adapting to changes quickly
• Own reliable transport and flexibility for varied work hours