Product Developer

People Dimension; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Butchery / Meat Industry near Pretoria is looking for an experienced Product Developer to spearhead new product initiatives. The role involves developing product specifications, conducting trials, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Ideal candidates will have a diploma in Food Technology and relevant experience in the Fresh Meat/Fish industry.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant technical experience in the Fresh Meat / Fish industry.
• Experience in product trials and compliance with legislation.
• Strong relationship-building skills with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from concept to launch.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and customer specifications.
• Conduct trials to improve existing products and develop new ranges.

Skills

Product Development

Compliance

Project Management

Supplier Liaison

Education

Diploma in Food Technology

Degree in Consumer Science

Job description

A leading company in the Butchery / Meat Industry based outside Pretoria is seeking an experienced Product Developer to lead multiple new product development projects from concept to launch. The role involves aligning existing products with relevant legislation and customer specifications.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. New Product Development
   • Identify and develop new product initiatives aligned with the Company Group Strategy for the factory and butchery counters.
   • Design and conduct trials for new products, from concept through to launch.
   • Develop detailed product specifications, including raw materials, final products, and internal documentation.
   • Perform necessary trials and prepare documentation such as cooking time reports, 4P documentation, label information, and internal requests.
   • Ensure compliance with legislation and customer labeling requirements across all products.
   • Report on KPIs six weeks after product launch and monitor sensory attributes to maintain quality.
   • Train production and quality teams to ensure adherence to product specifications.
   • Prepare and dispatch samples to customers timely.
2. Project Trials
   • Conduct trials to improve existing products, protocols, or develop new ranges.
   • Design project plans, coordinate with operational teams, collect data, and compile reports.
3. Maintenance of Internal Product Information System
   • Update internal product specifications as needed.
   • Coordinate with IT and Master Data departments to verify updates in operational systems.
4. Supplier and Raw Material Liaison
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, focusing on:
     • Innovation in flavors and product/process ideas.
     • Compliance with quality, procurement, availability, and cost requirements.
     • Ensuring raw materials are available for trials and launches.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Diploma in Food Technology (Required).
• Degree in Consumer Science or equivalent (Preferred).
• 2-4 years of relevant technical experience in the Fresh Meat / Fish industry.