Senior Product Developer

Pesto Princess Foods (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A food manufacturing company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Senior Product Developer to manage product development projects, improve existing lines, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should have a BSc in Food Science and 3-5 years of relevant experience, alongside strong skills in Excel and Sage Evolution. This role involves both factory and office work, emphasizing creativity and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Excel, Word, and Sage Evolution or similar systems.
• Creative and innovative with a solution-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple development projects from concept to launch.
• Create and maintain product costings and monitor margins.
• Conduct factory trials and first productions on new lines.

Skills

Product development management

Budget management

Supplier sourcing

Food safety standards

Technical documentation review

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

BSc / BTech / National Diploma in Food Science / Technology

Tools

Excel

Word

Sage Evolution

Job description

The Role

Pesto Princess wishes to employ an experienced Senior Product Developer who will develop & cost new products or improve and value engineer existing lines. About Pesto Princess Foods Pesto Princess manufactures fresh, preservative-free pesto sauces, soups, cooking sauces & dips sold through retail chains and food distributors nationwide. The factory is in a secure business park, South Peninsula, Cape Town.

Core Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

• Manage multiple development projects from initial concept to launch.
• Create and update detailed product costings & monitor product margins monthly.
• Periodically monitor yield losses and update loss calculations where needed.
• Create and manage the NPD budget & provide a meaningful variance report.
• Conduct factory trials, travel tests and first productions on new lines.
• Evaluate samples and coordinate tastings and benchmarking sessions.
• Conduct shelf-life tests to validate the shelf stability of the product.
• Source suitable suppliers according to food safety standards, price, capacity, and payment terms.
• Review technical supplier documentation on new suppliers / raw materials required in new developments.
• Create and / or maintain raw material, packaging, in-process, and finished product specifications.
• Create artwork briefs according to relevant legislation, check artwork and sign off on print runs and online approval.
• Solve production challenges relating to new or existing products.
• Ensure product detail on the internal Sage Evolution system is accurately captured and maintained.
• Support production initiatives like process improvement projects to streamline the manufacturing process of existing products.
• Keep abreast of trends in food product development and food technology and share when relevant.
• Provide technical support to other departments: quality assurance, operations, procurement, and sales.

Working Environment

You will spend time on the factory floor, wearing protective clothing as per food safety requirements, as well as being office-based.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

You have a BSc / BTech / National Diploma in Food Science / Technology, or similar qualification. You have 3-5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment. You’re experienced in Excel, Word and Sage Evolution or similar system. You’re creative, innovative, solution-driven, and proactive. You’re able to work in a fast paced, high-pressured environment, while still paying close attention to details. You have excellent written & verbal communication skills. Your ability to follow instructions & procedures is impeccable. You’re passionate about environmental sustainability. You care & have high integrity.

Company Culture

Caring is the central company value on our business journey. If you care about the customer, care about producing excellent work & care about the impact the business has on the environment, then this position is for you. Since we will also be caring for you, be prepared to do the extraordinary, and have your talents developed.