Technologist: Process Development

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced professional to lead and support new product development, trials, specs management, and food safety compliance in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will drive product innovation from concept to launch, ensure regulatory adherence, and collaborate across functions to deliver high-quality, market-ready products.

Responsibilities include documentation, audits, and continuous improvement of safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Food Science and 5–6 years in food processing.
• Experience with product development, specifications, and food safety systems.
• Experience with product trials and customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage product trials, including planning, scheduling, execution, and communication with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the NPD team throughout the development process.
• Develop, review, and maintain recipes, job cards, specifications, assembly sheets, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all trial outcomes, validation requirements, yields, nutritional data, shelf-life testing, and process improvements are documented and incorporated into product development processes.
• Manage product specifications, artwork reviews, ingredient declarations, allergen identification, and compliance documentation.
• Oversee travel tests, raw material and packaging trials, yield audits, and process audits.
• Support successful product launches through accurate documentation, training, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in line with ISO 22000, FSSC requirements, and company standards.
• Participate in internal audits, food safety initiatives, VACCP activities, deep-clean verification programs, and factory support activities.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Staff leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology / Food Science

Grade 12 (Matric)

Tools

MS Office

Trial management systems

Job description

About Premier FMCG

Premier FMCG is at the heart of South Africa’s FMCG industry, delivering trusted, iconic brands across our Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance growth culture. We empower our people to strive for excellence ensuring that our products and people make a difference in the everyday lives of our consumers.

Job Purpose

Lead and support new product development, product trials, specifications management, food safety compliance, and technical support within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving product innovation from concept to launch while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage product trials, including planning, scheduling, execution, and communication with customers and internal stakeholders.


• Provide technical guidance and support to the New Product Development (NPD) team throughout the development process.


• Develop, review, and maintain recipes, job cards, specifications, assembly sheets, and technical documentation.


• Ensure all trial outcomes, validation requirements, yields, nutritional data, shelf-life testing, and process improvements are documented and incorporated into product development processes.


• Manage product specifications, artwork reviews, ingredient declarations, allergen identification, and compliance documentation.


• Oversee travel tests, raw material and packaging trials, yield audits, and process audits.


• Support successful product launches through accurate documentation, training, and cross-functional collaboration.


• Drive food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in line with ISO 22000, FSSC requirements, and company standards.


• Participate in internal audits, food safety initiatives, VACCP activities, deep-clean verification programs, and factory support activities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric)


• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology / Food Science


• 5-6 years’ experience in a Food Processing environment


• Relevant experience in food manufacturing, product development, specifications management, and food safety systems.


• Experience working with product trials, recipe formulation and customer specifications.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of Food Safety Management principles and Good Manufacturing


• Practices.


• Food Safety Auditing experience


• Knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems (FSSC 22000, NRCS, Halal)


• Working knowledge of trial systems and FPI will be to your advantage


• Computer Literacy (MS OFFICE- WORD/EXCEL/POWERPOINT/OUTLOOK)


• Ability to lead and manage staff,


• Analytical approach.


• Attention to detail.


• Excellent problem-solving skills.


• Excellent communication skills


• Strong personality with a high sense of discipline and organizing skills.

Diversity & Inclusion

Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes.

Closing Date: 20 November 2026