Sr Flavorist

Mccormick & Company, Incorporated; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Flavourist to lead innovative product development initiatives. This role involves managing cross-functional teams, overseeing project management from concept to launch, and engaging with customers to provide technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food technology and experience in FMCG, showcasing exceptional leadership and communication skills. Join a diverse workforce committed to continuous improvement and innovation in flavor solutions, where your contributions will directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development within FMCG.
• Strong team player with cross-functional interaction skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from concept to launch, coordinating resources.
• Lead problem-solving activities with customers for technical solutions.

Skills

Cross-functional Leadership

Project Management

Customer Relationship Management

Sensory Evaluation

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Diploma / B-Tech Degree in Food Technology

Biotechnology

Food Science

Tools

SAP RD

Job description

Senior Flavourist Midrand, RSA

Main Responsibilities

1. Management Support & Cross-functional Leadership: Partner with the R&D Manager for strategic decision-making activities. Represent the R&D Manager in selected forums. Establish proactive projects to safeguard the future of products and processes, ensuring business continuity. Oversee daily activities of cross-functional sub-functions (Sensory, PPI, Packaging) within R&D.
2. Product & Project Management: Manage projects from concept to launch, coordinating resources such as sensory, research, regulatory, commercial, consumer insights, production, and QA to meet project standards and deadlines.
3. Customer Interaction: Lead problem-solving activities with customers to unlock technical solutions. Support the introduction of new products at customer facilities. Interact with customers to provide technical expertise, supporting the Customer Intimacy Strategy.
4. Administrative Activities: Input formulation development data into SAP RD for traceability and costing. Provide formulation data to Finance. Compile HACCP approvals, ingredient listings, and nutritional information for QA and Regulatory teams to facilitate product specifications and safety sign-off.
5. Sensory Evaluation to Support NPD: Participate in sensory evaluation activities to understand sensory attributes of new products and raw materials. Coordinate evaluations to identify necessary modifications.
6. Inter-Functional Support: Support Supply Chain and QA with technical expertise on NPD and product quality. Support Product and Process Implementation (PPI) activities, including trial execution and monitoring initial production runs. Collaborate with Consumer Insights and Sensory Teams to align with market trends and research protocols.
7. External Orientation: Engage with suppliers and industry through workshops and seminars to incorporate latest trends and technologies into development activities.
8. Resource Management: Manage team resources effectively. Contribute to continuous improvement in standards related to administration, Health & Safety, GMP, and housekeeping. Support procurement with evaluation of raw materials.

Candidate Profile

• Diploma / B-Tech Degree in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Food Science, or equivalent.
• Product development experience within an FMCG environment (preferred).
• Strong team player with cross-functional interaction skills.
• Self-starter with ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Highly adaptable, with good communication skills and research-oriented mindset.
• Ability to develop and maintain customer relationships.
• Attention to detail.

As an equal opportunities employer, McCormick is committed to a diverse workforce.