R & D Technologist

Manpower Group; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Group in Durban is seeking an R&D Technologist to lead development from concept to factory floor, collaborating across sales, marketing, production, quality and procurement to drive formulation optimization.

You will conduct lab-scale and plant trials, ensure regulatory compliance (FSSC 22000, HACCP, Codex), and stay ahead of market trends with innovative technologies.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Technology or Biotechnology.
• Experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Fats and oils knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Food Tech

Biotech

FMCG

Fats & Oils

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Food Tech/Biotech

Job description

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