Research and Development Technologist - Centurion, South Africa - Stonebridge HR Solutions

Description

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Processing / Manufacturing or related field.
• Minimum 3 years work experience in food development, food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions.
• Minimum 3 years laboratory / bench top experience in a research food laboratory or product development environment.
• Minimum 3 years experience in use of laboratory analytical instrumentation, Lab Filtration system and scale equipment.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
• MS Office and Excel knowledge beyond Lookup Functions, Pivots, Charting and Importing & Exporting data.
• An analytical mind with strong math skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities Afrikaans and English.
• Attention to detail, reliable and accurate.
• High level of technical aptitude an ability to learn new technical systems and tools quickly.
• Ability to work under pressure and a willingness to work to tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Valid drivers license and own vehicle.

• Developing products from stipulated brief.
• Calculate theoretical and final costing of the new product.
• Sourcing of new raw materials.
• Resubmission of samples with feedback applied.
• Execute shelf life and stability testing of new products.

• Evaluating raw material submissions from suppliers.
• Research and application of new ingredients or ideas.
• Able to proactively identify needs and develop both internal and external resources to meet them.
• Leverage competitive set and competitor technology differences to provide competitive advantage and uniqueness.
• Able to analyse competitive products to ascertain processes and formulations.
• Remains well informed of state of the business in terms of net sales and market share as well as new product launches.

• Oversee the blending and packing of the first run of a new product.
• Assist with the testing and approval of factory blends vs lab control samples.
• Assist with the investigation and issue corrective actions required to fix any failed batches.
• Investigate formulation changes that can address process issues on the filling line.

• Compile nutritional reports of the developed product.
• Receiving and filing of documentation on all new raw materials.
• Creation and amendments of Batch Cards.
• Compiling bulk BOMs.
• Review and maintain label and packaging specification updates.
• Ensure TRELLO boards are always updated and accurate.
• Ensure all project spreadsheets are always updated and accurate.
• Manage and maintain the R&D folder online.
• Create mixing instructions and batch cards for drinks to be sent to 3rd Party.
• Create and review company product specification sheets with the QC Team.

• Research for suppliers or similar ingredients at lower cost.
• Drive for continuous margin enhancement of new product portfolio.
• Ensures communication between development team and supply chain to facilitate cost effective products.

• Review client labels for conformance to R146 Regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs.

• Effective distribution of projects between team members.
• Ensuring that projects are done in time.
• Manage conflicts between timelines of different projects.