Product Applications Specialist (EX135)

Scistaff; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A food ingredient manufacturer is seeking a Product Applications Specialist to support product development in the meat and dairy sectors across Zambia. The role requires at least 3-5 years of experience in related processing, a solid understanding of NPD, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. Candidates should be fluent in Afrikaans and willing to relocate. This is a full-time position offering an opportunity to innovate in the product development space.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years hands-on experience in meat and/or dairy processing.
• Proven background in New Product Development (NPD).
• Knowledge of HACCP with practical application.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and applications in the meat and dairy sector.
• Conduct on-site technical support trials at customer facilities.
• Build and manage strong customer relationships for long-term growth.

Skills

Sales Experience

Customer Service

Product Development

Communication skills

Education

BSc in Nutrition & Food Science, Food Technology or Biological Sciences

MSc in a related field

Tools

MS Office Suite (Excel advanced, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

Introduction

• BSc in Nutrition & Food Science, Food Science, Food Technology or equivalent. At least 3-5 years hands-on experience in meat and/or dairy processing. Proven background in New Product Development. Valid drivers licence and passport. Must be fluent in Afrikaans and prepared to relocate to Zambia immediately.

Description

A food ingredient manufacturer requires a Product Applications Specialist to join their team in Zambia. The successful candidate will be responsible for product development and technical support in the meat and dairy sectors across Zambia and neighbouring countries, including hands-on NPD on-site implementation and building strong customer relationships to drive growth and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development and applications in the meat and dairy sector.
• Conduct on-site technical support trials and implementations at customer facilities.
• Apply HACCP and food safety standards in all development and production processes.
• Build, manage and retain strong customer relationships to support long-term growth.
• Coordinate and deliver development projects within agreed timelines.
• Support the Exports team in driving innovation and market expansion across Zambia and neighbouring countries when required.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while identifying new ingredient applications and sourcing ingredient suppliers to drive product innovation & secure additional market growth.

Key Requirements

• BSc in Nutrition & Food Science, Food Science, Food Technology or Biological Sciences (focus on foodstuffs). MSc in a related field advantageous.
• At least 3-5 years hands-on experience in meat and/or dairy processing.
• Proven background in New Product Development (NPD): recipe formulation, sensory analysis, recipe revamps and product matching.
• HACCP knowledge with practical application.
• Experience in customer-facing technical support and project management.
• Prior exposure to African working environments advantageous.
• Valid drivers licence and passport (minimum 45 years validity).
• Must be fluent in Afrikaans and prepared to relocate to Zambia immediately.
• Willing to travel within Zambia and across Africa.

Additional Requirements

• Practical and hands-on; able to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; builds and maintains effective relationships.
• Customer-focused with the ability to manage and grow key accounts.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel advanced, PowerPoint, Word).
• Passionate about the meat industry and product development.
• Responsible, reliable and adaptable to diverse cultural environments.

How to Apply

Only candidates that meet all the requirements should apply. Please quote Product Applications Specialist (EX135) in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Should you comply with these requirements please email your CV stating your current salary package as well as your salary expectations. By sending us your CV you consent that your information may be kept in accordance with the requirements of the POPI Act.

Remuneration

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

• Sales Experience
• Marketing
• Customer Service
• Communication skills
• Military Experience
• Retail Sales
• Product Demos
• Customer Support
• Product Management
• Product Development
• Unity
• Microscopy

Employment Type

Full-Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1