Senior New Product Development Technologist (QSR) – Fixed Term Contract (Randfontein) needed at RCL Foods

Job Description    

• The purpose of the role is to lead product development projects in the Quick Service Restaurant channel on sauces and condiments. The develop work will need to be on specification, on time, of a high quality and at target cost in collaboration with all relevant departments.

Minimum Requirements    

• Completed National Diploma in Food Technology (minimum) – preference for degree in Food Science or BTech.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record with experience in the development of new products (preference to sauces, mayonnaise and condiments).
• Sound knowledge of National Food legislation and relevant industry standards (including OHSAS, HACCP, FSSC22000).
• Experience in working with various product trials simultaneously with experience in project management principles.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Coordinate and drive multi-disciplinary teams (marketing, commercial, planning, production, etc) through idea generation, product development and product testing.
• Coordinate NPD meetings on new product development and ensure all core and peripheral aspects have been considered and planned (e.g. packaging, equipment requirements, plant layout, etc).
• Ensure the innovation process is followed as per requirement and followed for NPD and across departments.
• Test and challenge the feasibility of NPD proposals.
• Drive ongoing collaboration with customer and marketing teams to identify a robust pipeline of new products.
• Ensure legal and industry related compliance of all new product development in terms of ingredients and labelling requirements.
• Drive cost saving initiatives regarding formulations and reduction of complexity with regards to raw materials and processing.
• Work with production in relation to process improvement / improving process efficiencies.
• Facilitate product evaluations on current products with production teams and marketing including benchmarking with competitors’ products.
• Active research and understanding of market trend, competitor activity and operational knowledge through trade visits and supplier engagements.
• Assist with product queries and complaints to stay abreast of possible problem areas and concern and to assist in problem solving within production facilities.
• Provide technical and quality related input in the prioritisation of products and initiatives for customer accounts, including the identification of new product requirements.
• Develop a deep understanding of product technical, quality assurance and operational needs.
• Engage regularly with customers (internal/external) regarding issues and requirements and provide feedback on how the business is meeting set requirements