Snr Food Technologist

DAV Professional Placement Group; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 40 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Senior Technologist for its Produce department to enhance quality and sustainability in agriculture. This role requires a dynamic team player with a strong background in agronomy and regenerative farming practices. You will lead initiatives to ensure product safety and quality while driving strategic development and collaboration with suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8-10 years of experience in the produce industry and possess excellent project management and communication skills. Join a forward-thinking company that values continuous growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum BSc Agriculture with relevant subjects including entomology and soil science.
• 8-10 years' experience in the produce industry with a focus on agronomy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Business Vision Zero as part of regenerative farming.
• Manage technical functions to meet departmental KPIs and ensure product quality.

Skills

Agronomy

Integrated Pest Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

BSc Agriculture

Job description

Senior Technologist: Core Veg & Salads
Produce & Horti Department

MAIN PURPOSE

A dynamic team player is required in our Produce department to drive our competitive edge through the delivery of quality, safety, sustainability, availability, and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Brand integrity and product safety,
• Lead and execute the implementation of Business Vision Zero as part of the regenerative farming strategy
• FFF support to our suppliers/ farmers through knowledge sharing and advice
• Create and trial new, innovative Integrated Pest Management solutions and innovative agricultural practices that meet customer and brand expectations
• Provide input and drive implementation of category strategies supporting consistent product availability by focusing on product and supplier selection regionally.
• Manage and monitor technical function in order to meet departmental KPI's,
• Ensure suppliers provide quality products consistently and according to Business standards,
• Educate, inform, and share knowledge/information with category members, suppliers, and the organization appropriately,
• Ensure Company policies and guidelines meet legal agricultural requirements and commit to setting standards with suppliers.
• Build customer trust by ensuring foods safety, quality, and consistency of products, and preventing re-occurrence of non-compliance.
• Commit to continuous professional growth and support the training and development of colleagues.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Minimum BSc Agriculture with relevant subjects, including entomology, soil science, plant pathology, and agricultural science, horticulture
• Relevant experience in the produce industry, with specific focus on agronomy and regenerative farming
• Minimum 8- 10 years' experience in the produce industry,
• Experience in retail or corporate environments and teamwork is advantageous,
• Strong quality-oriented mindset.
• Strategic development and planning skills,
• Confident team leader,
• Business acumen, judgement and problem-solving,
• Strong Project management skills,
• Networking, influencing and communication skills within the produce industry,
• Assertive communication and conflict handling skills
• Pro-active, innovative, and entrepreneurial,
• Flexible with ability to travel extensively,
• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment,

Desired Skills and Experience

Senior Technologist: Core Veg & Salads
Produce & Horti Department


MAIN PURPOSE

A dynamic team player is required in our Produce department to drive our competitive edge through the delivery of quality, safety, sustainability, availability, and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Brand integrity and product safety,
* Lead and execute the implementation of Business Vision Zero as part of the regenerative farming strategy
* FFF support to our suppliers/ farmers through knowledge sharing and advice
* Create and trial new, innovative Integrated Pest Management solutions and innovative agricultural practices that meet customer and brand expectations
* Provide input and drive implementation of category strategies supporting consistent product availability by focusing on product and supplier selection regionally.
* Manage and monitor technical function in order to meet departmental KPI's,
* Ensure suppliers provide quality products consistently and according to Business standards,
* Educate, inform, and share knowledge/information with category members, suppliers, and the organization appropriately,
* Ensure Company policies and guidelines meet legal agricultural requirements and commit to setting standards with suppliers.
* Build customer trust by ensuring foods safety, quality, and consistency of products, and preventing re-occurrence of non-compliance.
* Commit to continuous professional growth and support the training and development of colleagues.

KEY COMPETENCIES
* Minimum BSc Agriculture with relevant subjects, including entomology, soil science, plant pathology, and agricultural science, horticulture
* Relevant experience in the produce industry, with specific focus on agronomy and regenerative farming
* Minimum 8- 10 years' experience in the produce industry,
* Experience in retail or corporate environments and teamwork is advantageous,
* Strong quality-oriented mindset.
* Strategic development and planning skills,
* Confident team leader,
* Business acumen, judgement and problem-solving,
* Strong Project management skills,
* Networking, influencing and communication skills within the produce industry,
* Assertive communication and conflict handling skills
* Pro-active, innovative, and entrepreneurial,
* Flexible with ability to travel extensively,
* Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment,