R&D Food Technologist

ARVO; Bonnievale; On-site; ZAR 391,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

ARVO in Montagu, Western Cape, seeks an innovative R&D Technologist to drive new product development from concept to factory production. You will manage formulation, trials, and documentation for commercial readiness while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost control.

Ideal candidates have a strong food science background, attention to detail, and a passion for innovation. This permanent, full-time role is based on-site in Montagu with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• BSc in Food Science or ND Food Technology is required.
• Minimum 2 years in an R&D/food technology role.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FSSC 22000).

Responsibilities

• Develop new products from concept through to factory production.
• Complete Bills of Materials and costings for products.
• Conduct kitchen trials and prepare product samples for customers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory and customer requirements.
• Coordinate nutritional analysis and shelf-life testing.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Product development

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

BSc in Food Science or ND Food Technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Excel

Job description

R&D Technologist

Location: Montagu, Western Cape
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports To: Head of NPD
Salary: R35,000 – R40,000 per month CTC

Job Overview

Our client, a well-established food manufacturing business in the FMCG industry, is looking for an innovative and technically minded R&D Technologist to join their team in Montagu.

This role will be responsible for the development of new products and the improvement of existing products, from initial concept and recipe development through to factory trials, product handover and commercial production.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical food background, excellent attention to detail and a genuine passion for product innovation and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products based on customer briefs, including researching recipes and developing formulations suitable for factory production.
• Complete BOMs and product costings, including researching raw material and packaging costs.
• Conduct kitchen trials and prepare product samples for customers.
• Ensure products comply with relevant regulatory, statutory and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain final product specifications for new products.
• Source new raw materials and packaging materials and obtain relevant documentation, pricing and MOQ information.
• Prepare product handover documentation for factory batch cards.
• Conduct factory trials for new products.
• Submit Bills of Materials for system loading.
• Conduct and monitor ambient and accelerated shelf-life testing.
• Complete nutritional calculations and coordinate nutritional analysis where required.
• Manage relevant religious certification applications and supporting documentation.
• Prepare artwork briefs and review artwork for regulatory, statutory and customer compliance.
• Conduct travel tests on new packaged products.
• Assist with cost-saving and production efficiency projects.
• Arrange and facilitate concept, pre-trial and post-trial meetings.
• Determine final product information following production runs.
• Identify alternative raw materials where appropriate.
• Issue change control requests timeously.
• Contribute innovative product ideas that support the company's competitive position.
• Assist with customer complaints, queries and audits as required.
• Maintain effective communication across the wider team.
• Assist with ad hoc projects assigned by the Head of NPD.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity would suit a food technologist or R&D professional who enjoys taking products from concept through to factory production, thrives in a hands-on environment and is passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.

You should be comfortable balancing technical requirements, customer expectations, production realities and regulatory compliance.

Compensation

R35,000 – R40,000 per month CTC, depending on experience and suitability.

Working Hours

Permanent, full-time position based in Montagu, Western Cape.

Requirements

• BSc in Food Science or ND Food Technology.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar R&D / food technology role.
• Experience with FSSC 22000.
• Fully computer literate, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyse data and statistics accurately.
• Ability to work across QC, R&D and production environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience liaising with suppliers regarding specifications and technical matters.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.