Junior Product Technologist needed at AVI Limited

Key Performance Areas:

Project Management

• Assist with initiating projects as requested by Marketing/ Factory
• Ensure relevant steps are followed and deliver projects as per the brief on time and at expected costs target
• Maintain all records
• Coordinate and streamline communication among relevant stakeholders

Product Development

• Deliver on cost savings initiatives as well as product improvements
• Keep abreast with new trends on other markets
• Identify opportunities to re-engineer current blends
• Liaise with suppliers

Conduct factory trials:

• Assist in carrying out factory trials related to raw materials
• Ensure availability of materials
• Assist in completing trial reports

SAP related functions:

• Assist with inputting of blends on SAP
• Run relevant reports for Tea Department
• Assist with maintaining master data
• Initiate workflows in SAP
• Check accuracy of supplier invoices against SAP
• Assist with prepping and testing sample/ blends/ product
• Support the team with all SAP related functions

Competencies:

Technical

• Food technology knowledge to analyze technical data/ (Certificate of Acceptance) COA’s received from suppliers, and ensure raw materials purchased conform to all legal and company requirements

Sensory

• Conduct sensory trials and write up reports.
• Sensory analysis – visual, smell and taste. (Successful candidate will be trained in tea tasting)

Project management

• The ability to logically think through and follow project management principles for projects from concept to completion
• Interfacing with internal stakeholders and suppliers

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Food Technology and/or relevant food qualifications
• Qualification in Project Management (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience in working in the food/beverage industry
• An understanding of the impact of regulatory/statutory and professional bodies on the new and existing products would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation

Additional requirements:

• Communication (verbal and writing) skills
• Ability to solve problems and methodical (logical thinking)
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in cross functional teams
• Above average computer skills (Excel/ Word/ PowerPoint)
• Proactive, analytical and leaderships skills
• The incumbent must be able to travel independently within SA and outside SA boarders
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours