Technical & Innovation Technologist

A well-established food manufacturing company renowned for its superior quality products is seeking an experienced Technical & Innovation Technologist to join their dedicated team, based in the Durban area. This role reports into the Technical & Innovation Manager.

The successful candidate will be responsible for Statistical reporting, labelling and specifications creation/ reviews and updating as well as customer presentations and training. Work with the technical and innovation team to carry out trials and make samples in new product development, product and process improvements and cost reduction projects

from concept to production implementation, amendments as well as process creation and amendments, reviews of specifications and data, and training where applicable.

Develop New Product:

• Creating new developments with the team.
• Carry out recipe and process trials.
• Request for new materials, packaging, or equipment.
• Sample creation.
• Product Evaluations (quality, specification and cost) and feedback.
• Record Keeping and updating.
• Specification creation (Product and process).
• Artwork and packaging review.
• Training and handover to production with monitoring.
• Sample submissions

Improvement of Existing Product and Processes:

• Review of current processes.
• Carry out improvement recipes and process trials.
• Product evaluations.
• Artwork and Packaging review.
• Reporting on trials and next steps.
• Comparative assessments (market research / product comparisons - data and evaluations)
• Sample Submissions

Cost Reduction:

• Support team with initiatives to reduce cost through various avenues.

Product and Process Knowledge Sharing

• Present internally and to customers as required.
• Internal training: Operational staff, Quality staff, Sales and any other as required.

Data/Document Management

• Review and update of specifications (products and materials)
• Review and update of Data / Master Data

Quality, Health, And Food Safety

• Ensure that all the quality, health, and food safety rules, procedures, notices, and training is always followed.
• Monitor and inspected Quality, Health, and Food safety requirements on a continuous basis based on regulatory and statutory standards
• Maintain safe working environment and to meet the company goal of an injury free workplace.

If you don't hear from us in 2 weeks, please accept your application unsuccessful.

• Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent
• Diploma/Degree in Food Technology / Food Science
• 3-5 years' experience in the food industry, experience in a meat processing environment would be advantageous.
• Experience in project management
• Ability to teamwork within T&I team, across functional teams as well as work independently as required and efficiently.
• Ability to travel both local and nationally from time to time if required
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Software and Tools, such as Excel and Microsoft SharePoint
• Experience with Syspro would be advantageous
• Ability to interpret, understand and apply the latest legislation/regulationsguidelines to the work environment.