Product Developer

Cape Herb; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 320 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company in South Africa is seeking a Product Developer to lead NPD projects for key global customers. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in Food Science and experience in product development. Responsibilities include researching culinary trends, collaborating across teams, and ensuring product compliance. Join this innovative team to help shape the future of spice products.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ experience in product development or technical roles in food manufacturing.
• Strong project management and commercialization experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Research and stay ahead of global culinary trends.
• Develop technically sound, flavour-forward, and commercially viable products.
• Project manage all stages of development for on-time launches.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Project management

Food innovation

Communication

Food Science knowledge

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Consumer Science

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel - intermediate level)

Job description

Reporting: NPD Manager

Location: Westlake

Cape Herb & Spice has grown from entrepreneurial roots into a global FMCG player, employing over 500 people across 5 sites in Cape Town. With a diverse range of products across multiple categories, we pride ourselves in innovation, quality and bold flavour.

This role offers the opportunity to work with world‑class brands, gain international exposure, and build an exciting career at the intersection of science, creativity and food.

Purpose

The Spice Division is seeking a technically strong yet foodie‑inspired Product Developer – someone who can balance scientific precision with a genuine love of cooking. You’ll lead NPD projects for key global customers, driving innovation and ensuring commercial and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and stay ahead of global culinary trends, ingredients, and technologies
• Develop technically sound, flavour-forward, and commercially viable products
• Project manage all stages of development to ensure on‑time, compliant launches
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, QA, Procurement, Sales and customers
• Ensure all products meet country‑specific regulations and certifications
• Source and evaluate sustainable raw materials
• Work with suppliers to develop packaging solutions
• Provide technical problem‑solving and product support to internal teams
• Drive packaging & innovation development and supplier trials, ensuring quality and cost efficiency

Education & Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Consumer Science, or equivalent technical qualification
• 2–4 years’ experience in product development or technical roles in food manufacturing (5–10 years without degree)
• Strong project management and commercialisation experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel – intermediate level)

Personal Characteristics

• Technically meticulous, creatively curious, and passionate about flavour
• A true foodie who draws inspiration from global cuisines
• Deadline‑driven, proactive, and adaptable
• Strong communicator and collaborator
• Commercially minded with attention to both detail and the bigger picture
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment
• A curious mind and a true love for food and flavour

If you’re passionate about turning flavour ideas into world‑class products and want to help shape the next chapter of spice innovation, join our team at Cape Herb & Spice.

If you have not received a response within two weeks of application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Personal Information Processing Notice

To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/. Printed copies of this Processing Notice can also be accessed from the HR department. We kindly request that you read the HR Processing Notice to ensure that you understand how Libstar uses and processes your personal information.