R&D Technologist FMCG

Esteem Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking an R&D Technologist to drive product innovation within the fats and oils category. This role involves leading product development projects, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and conducting market research. Candidates should have a degree in Food Science or a related field, with 2–5 years of experience in food manufacturing, particularly in product development or R&D. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in food manufacturing.
• Product development/R&D experience is advantageous.
• Experience working with fats and oils is preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept to factory implementation.
• Reformulate products to improve quality, cost efficiency, and nutritional value.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Conduct ingredient and functionality research.
• Support production with troubleshooting and process improvements.

Skills

Problem-solving and analytical ability

Attention to detail

Ability to work in cross-functional teams

Good communication and reporting skills

Innovation-driven mindset

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Science / Food Technology or related field

Job description

Role Overview

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced R&D Technologist to drive product development and innovation within the fats and oils category. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new products, improving existing formulations, and supporting production processes while ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead product development projects from concept to factory implementation
• Reformulate products to improve quality, cost efficiency, and nutritional value
• Conduct lab-scale and plant trials
• Improve product stability, shelf-life, and sensory attributes
• Source and evaluate new raw materials and packaging solutions

Technical Support & Optimization

• Support production with troubleshooting and process improvements
• Scale formulations from lab to manufacturing
• Develop and maintain product specs, formulations, and SOPs
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Conduct sensory evaluations and align products with customer requirements

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (FSSC 22000, HACCP, Codex)
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation and reports
• Work with suppliers and regulatory bodies on ingredient approvals

Research & Market Insights

• Conduct ingredient and functionality research
• Perform competitor benchmarking and trend analysis
• Identify innovative ingredients and technologies
• Support customer presentations with technical input

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Food Science / Food Technology or related field
• Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in food manufacturing (essential)
• Product development/R&D experience (advantageous)
• Experience working with fats and oils (preferred)
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory standards

Key Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical ability
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Good communication and reporting skills
• Innovation-driven mindset