R&D Technologist

Creative Sourcing; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A food technology company in Durban is seeking an R&D Technologist responsible for developing and improving food products related to fats and oils. The role involves leading innovation projects, reformulating products for better quality, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should have a background in Food Tech or Biotech, with experience in food manufacturing. Strong technical and problem-solving skills are essential. This position offers an opportunity to engage in product enhancements and participate in continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing is essential.
• Creative thinker with a practical approach to innovation.
• Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead product innovation projects from concept to factory implementation.
• Reformulate existing products for quality and cost efficiency.
• Conduct lab-scale and factory trials to validate formulations.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Qualification in Food Tech / Biotech

Job description

Introduction

The R&D Technologist will be responsible for developing and improving food products (related to fats and oils) and processes within the manufacturing environment.

The incumbent will work closely with sales, marketing, production, quality, and procurement teams to drive innovation, optimize formulations, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Experience in food manufacturing is essential.

Duties & Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation: Lead product innovation projects from concept design through to factory implementation in line with company strategy and customer requirements.

Reformulate existing products to improve quality, cost efficiency, or nutritional value.

Conduct lab‑scale and factory trials to validate formulations and processes.

Support product enhancements related to sensory, stability, and shelf‑life improvement.

Engage new raw material & packaging suppliers.

Technical Support & Process Optimization: Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to troubleshoot process or formulation challenges.

Translate lab‑scale formulations to full‑scale manufacturing efficiently.

Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and SOPs.

Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on process efficiency and sustainability.

Customer visits, sensory evaluations.

Matching customer specs documentation & compliance: Ensure all R&D activities comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., FSSC, HACCP, Codex).

• FSSC
• HACCP
• Codex

Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date technical documentation, including trial reports, formulations, and change control records.

Liaise with suppliers and regulatory bodies to source and approve raw materials and ingredients.

Research & market insight: Conduct ingredient functionality studies, competitor benchmarking, and trend analysis.

Identify innovative technologies and ingredients to enhance the product portfolio.

Provide technical input for customer presentations and project briefs.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications & experience: Qualification in Food Tech / Biotech, FMCG, food experience, food safety, legislation, market trends.

Key competencies: Strong technical problem‑solving and analytical skills; creative thinker with a practical approach to innovation; excellent communication and teamwork abilities; attention to detail and commitment to product quality and safety; ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

KPIs: Timely delivery of new and reformulated products to market; reduction in formulation cost and process non‑conformances; compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards; successful completion of R&D trials and product validations.