Senior Food Technologist

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contributions

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Food Technologist in East London, Eastern Cape to join the innovative product development team. You will drive new product concepts from ideation to commercialization, leveraging food science expertise to meet market demands, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

The role requires 5+ years in food technology/R&D, a relevant degree, and strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years progressive experience in food technology, product development, or R&D in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, processing technologies, and QC systems.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new food products from concept through scale-up and launch.
• Conduct R&D activities including formulation, ingredient selection, and process optimization.
• Perform lab-scale trials and pilot plant runs to test products and processes.
• Analyze product stability, shelf-life and sensory attributes; recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and nutritional requirements.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, production and QA teams.
• Develop detailed product specifications, manufacturing instructions, and QC parameters.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to new product implementation.
• Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies.
• Mentor junior technologists and technicians in R&D.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science/Technology or related

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading food manufacturer based in the coastal city of East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking an experienced Senior Food Technologist to join their innovative product development team. This role is critical in driving the creation and refinement of new food products from concept to commercialization. You will leverage your scientific knowledge and culinary understanding to develop products that meet market demands, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in food science, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovation within the food industry. Working within a dynamic R&D environment in East London, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our client's product portfolio and contributing to their continued success in the Eastern Cape market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food products from concept generation through to scale-up and commercial launch.
• Conduct research and development activities, including formulation, ingredient selection, and process optimization.
• Perform laboratory-scale trials and pilot plant runs to test and validate new products and processes.
• Analyze product stability, shelf-life, and sensory attributes; make recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and nutritional requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, production, and quality assurance.
• Develop detailed product specifications, manufacturing instructions, and quality control parameters.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to new product implementation.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and competitor product developments.
• Mentor and guide junior technologists and technicians within the R&D department.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in food technology, product development, or R&D within the food manufacturing industry.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food products.
• In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, processing technologies, and quality control systems.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMPs) and relevant industry standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate across departments.
• Experience with product scale-up and commercialization processes is essential for this role in East London, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, for this key role in East London. You will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated R&D team, contributing to the innovation pipeline of a respected food manufacturer. Enjoy opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company. Benefits include medical aid contributions, a provident fund, and a supportive work environment focused on scientific excellence and product quality in the Eastern Cape.