Product Developer

Rite Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rite Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Product Developer specialising in Value-Added Meat Products to join our client’s innovation team. You will develop lab and kitchen samples, drive product improvements and ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.

The role requires collaboration across Technical, Production and QA teams, strong planning, problem‑solving and communication skills, and willingness to travel. A Food Science or microbiology qualification is essential.

Qualifications

• Matric and a qualification in Food Science or microbiology.
• Experience in the FMCG or food manufacturing industry is advantageous.
• Willing to travel and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop laboratory and kitchen samples for new products.
• Drive continuous product improvement.
• Ensure products meet food safety, quality and compliance requirements.
• Plan and coordinate product trials.
• Analyze quality information to improve formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate NPD documentation.
• Collaborate with Technical, Production and Quality Assurance teams.
• Work with customers to develop tailored meat products.

Skills

Product development

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Microsoft Office

Syspro

Willing to travel

Driver's license

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Diploma or degree in Food Science or Consumer Science

Qualification in Food Science or microbiology

Tools

Syspro

Microsoft Office

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists for a Product Developer specialising in Value-Added Meat Products. The role focuses on developing, improving and maintaining new product development processes, from initial concepts and trials through to product launch. You will work closely with customers and internal teams to ensure innovation, quality, compliance and customer satisfaction.

Duties & Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Develop laboratory and kitchen samples for new products.
• Drive continuous product improvement.
• Ensure products meet food safety, quality and compliance requirements.

Product Trials & NPD

• Plan and coordinate product trials.
• Analyse quality information to improve formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate NPD documentation.

Customer & Team Collaboration

• Work with customers to develop tailored meat products.
• Develop and communicate customer specifications.
• Collaborate with Technical, Production and Quality Assurance teams.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments and with customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organised and detail oriented, with strong planning and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to plan daily tasks efficiently.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Syspro.
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.
• Comfortable handling and consuming chicken, beef and pork products due to manufacturing requirements.
• No allergies to wheat or gluten due to the manufacturing environment.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Skills and Attributes

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments and with customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organised and detail oriented, with strong planning and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to plan daily tasks efficiently.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Syspro.
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.
• Comfortable handling and consuming chicken, beef and pork products due to manufacturing requirements.
• No allergies to wheat or gluten due to the manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 (Matric) qualification.
• A diploma or degree in Food Science or Consumer Science is preferred.
• Experience in the FMCG or food manufacturing industry will be advantageous.
• Must have qualification in Food Science or microbiology
• Must have experience in product development in food industry

IDEAL CANDIDATE

A hands-on, organised and innovative individual with a passion for food product development, strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.

Package & Remuneration

R48 000.00 Total CTC

Only candidates meeting the specified criteria will be considered

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful. We thank all applicants for their interest.Must have qualification in Food Science or microbiology
Must have experience in product development in food industryMust have qualification in Food Science or microbiology
Must have experience in product development in food industryMust have qualification in Food Science or microbiology
Must have experience in product development in food industry