Research And Development Technologist (R&D)

Stonebridge Hr Solutions; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company based in Centurion is looking for an R&D Technologist to oversee new product development and ensure alignment across various projects. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in Food Science or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in food development and laboratory settings. Key responsibilities include conducting testing, developing new products, and managing project timelines. Strong communication in Afrikaans and English is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' work experience in food development and ingredient functionality.
• 3 years' laboratory experience in food research or product development.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products from initial brief to market.
• Conduct shelf life and stability testing of new products.
• Oversee blending and packing of first runs of new products.

Skills

Project management skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills in Afrikaans and English

Math skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field

Tools

MS Office and Excel

Laboratory analytical instrumentation

Job description

Reference : Pta -VLR-1

We are looking for an R&D Technologist for a company within the FMCG industry that is based in Centurion.

Duties & Responsibilities

• New product development
• Developing products from stipulated brief.
• Calculate theoretical and final costing of the new product.
• Sourcing of new raw materials.
• Resubmission of samples with feedback applied.
• Execute shelf life and stability testing of new products.
• Evaluating raw material submissions from suppliers.
• Research and application of new ingredients or ideas.
• Able to proactively identify needs and develop both internal and external resources to meet them.
• Leverage competitive set and competitor technology differences to provide competitive advantage and uniqueness.
• Able to analyse competitive products to ascertain processes and formulations.
• Remains well informed of state of the business in terms of net sales and market share as well as new product launches.
• Oversee the blending and packing of the first run of a new product.
• Assist with the testing and approval of factory blends vs lab control samples.
• Assist with the investigation and issue corrective actions required to fix any failed batches.
• Investigate formulation changes that can address process issues on the filling line.
• Compile nutritional reports of the developed product.
• Receiving and filing of documentation on all new raw materials.
• Creation and amendments of Batch Cards.
• Compiling bulk BOMs.
• Review and maintain label and packaging specification updates.
• Ensure TRELLO boards are always updated and accurate.
• Ensure all project spreadsheets are always updated and accurate.
• Manage and maintain the R&D folder online.
• Create mixing instructions and batch cards for drinks to be sent to 3rd Party.
• Create and review company product specification sheets with the QC Team.
• Price Negotiations
• Research for suppliers or similar ingredients at lower cost.
• Drive for continuous margin enhancement of new product portfolio.
• Ensures communication between development team and supply chain to facilitate cost effective products.
• Review client labels for conformance to Regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs.
• Administration of Projects
• Effective distribution of projects between team members.
• Ensuring that projects are done in time.
• Manage conflicts between timelines of different projects.
• All project administration and alignment with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Processing / Manufacturing or related field.
• Minimum 3 years' work experience in food development, food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions.
• Minimum 3 years' laboratory / bench top experience in a research food laboratory or product development environment.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in use of laboratory analytical instrumentation, Lab Filtration system and scale equipment.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
• MS Office and Excel – knowledge beyond Lookup Functions, Pivots, Charting and Importing & Exporting data.
• An analytical mind with strong math skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities – Afrikaans and English.
• Attention to detail, reliable and accurate.
• High level of technical aptitude – an ability to learn new technical systems and tools quickly.
• Ability to work under pressure and a willingness to work to tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Valid driver\'s license and own vehicle.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have not heard from us in 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.