R&D Technologist — Food Innovation & Scale-Up

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

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.