Senior Food Technologist - Product Development

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Generous annual leave

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to join the product development team in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role centers on creating and refining food products to meet high standards of quality, safety, taste, and market appeal.

You will work with cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, and production to bring concepts to commercialization, mentoring junior technologists and contributing to technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science or related field.
• Minimum 6 years’ hands-on experience in FMCG food product development.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques.
• Proven ability in formulation, recipe development, and scale-up.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and labeling requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new food products from concept to launch.
• Conduct product testing, sensory evaluations, and shelf-life studies.
• Formulate recipes and specifications compliant with safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and production teams.
• Mentor junior food technologists and share expertise.
• Prepare technical documentation and process flow diagrams.
• Stay updated on industry advances and regulatory changes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Food Science

Tools

HACCP

GMP

Food labeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the Food and Beverage FMCG sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Food Technologist to join their product development team based in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is central to the creation and refinement of new and existing food products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, safety, taste, and market appeal. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background, extensive experience in food product development, and a passion for culinary innovation. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and production, to bring exciting new products from concept to commercialization. This is a superb opportunity to contribute to a dynamic industry and shape the future of food products enjoyed by consumers nationwide. Be part of a team dedicated to excellence and groundbreaking product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food products from concept through to scale-up and launch.
• Conduct product testing, sensory evaluations, and shelf‑life studies.
• Formulate new recipes and product specifications, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to explore new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods.
• Work closely with the marketing team to understand consumer needs and market trends.
• Support the production team during scale‑up and commercial production phases, troubleshooting any issues.
• Ensure all product development activities adhere to HACCP, GMP, and other relevant food safety and quality management systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product labels, nutritional information, and process flow diagrams.
• Mentor junior food technologists and contribute to the overall technical expertise of the department.
• Stay current with industry advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in the food sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in food product development within the FMCG industry.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, processing techniques, and ingredient functionality.
• Proven experience with product formulation, recipe development, and scale‑up.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP, GMP, and labeling requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Experience in a specific food category (e.g., beverages, snacks, dairy, bakery) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with the South African food market and regulatory environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive health insurance.
• We provide a retirement fund and excellent opportunities for professional growth through training, workshops, and participation in industry events.
• This role offers the chance to be at the forefront of food innovation, developing products that reach millions of consumers.
• Generous annual leave and a supportive work environment are standard.
• Our client is committed to employee development and provides clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.
• You’ll be part of a respected company known for its quality and commitment to consumers.