R & D Technologist

University of Fort Hare; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client FMCG Manufacturer in Durban is seeking an R&D Technologist to lead product development from concept to factory floor. You will collaborate across sales, marketing, production, quality and procurement to drive innovations and ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include reformulating products, scaling lab to manufacturing, conducting trials, and maintaining specifications and SOPs while pursuing sustainability improvements.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Food Technology or Biotechnology.
• Proven experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food safety, legislation, and market trends.
• Knowledge of fats and oils is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead product innovation projects aligned with company strategy and customer needs.
• Reformulate existing products to enhance quality, cost efficiency, and nutritional value.
• Conduct lab-scale and factory trials to validate formulations and processes.
• Support sensory evaluation, stability testing, and shelf-life improvements.
• Source and engage new raw material and packaging suppliers.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to resolve formulation and process challenges.
• Scale lab formulations to full-scale manufacturing efficiently.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and SOPs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and sustainability.
• Conduct customer visits and ensure alignment with customer specifications.

Skills

FMCG food manufacturing

Food safety knowledge

Education

Food Technology or Biotechnology degree

Job description

R 600000 - R 650000 Annually Cost To Company

Our client, a leading FMCG manufacturer based in Mobeni, is seeking a talented R&D Technologist to join their dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape product development in the fats and oils sector while working with a company committed to quality, innovation, and growth.

The Role

As R&D Technologist, you'll be at the heart of product innovation, leading development projects from concept to factory floor. You'll work collaboratively across sales, marketing, production, quality, and procurement teams to drive formulation optimization, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver market-leading products.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead product innovation projects aligned with company strategy and customer needs
• Reformulate existing products to enhance quality, cost efficiency, and nutritional value
• Conduct lab-scale and factory trials to validate formulations and processes
• Support sensory evaluation, stability testing, and shelf-life improvements
• Source and engage new raw material and packaging suppliers

Technical Support & Process Optimization

• Collaborate with production and quality teams to resolve formulation and process challenges
• Scale lab formulations to full-scale manufacturing efficiently
• Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and SOPs
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and sustainability
• Conduct customer visits and ensure alignment with customer specifications

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all R&D activities comply with food safety and regulatory standards (FSSC 22000, HACCP, Codex)
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation including trial reports and change control records
• Liaise with suppliers and regulatory bodies for raw material approval

Research & Market Insight

• Conduct ingredient functionality studies and competitor benchmarking
• Stay ahead of market trends and identify innovative technologies
• Provide technical input for customer presentations and project briefs

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualification in Food Technology or Biotechnology
• Proven experience in FMCG food manufacturing
• Strong understanding of food safety, legislation, and market trends
• Knowledge of fats and oils is a significant advantage

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted