Description:
Paarl: My client, a national leader in the food science industry, is seeking to employ a Senior Research and Development Specialist. If you are eager to join a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Purpose of the Role: Lead the development of scalable customer formulations and apply functional food ingredients across Dairy, Beverages, Confectionery, Cereals, and Culinary sectors. Manage customer projects, including costings, while reporting to the R&D Manager. Provide technical support, collaborate with sales, and drive knowledge sharing, training, and promotion of global partners in Dairy, Fats & Oils, and Flavours. Support customers and the sales team across Southern and East Africa while contributing to innovative food solutions.Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
New Product Development
- Oversee trials, ensuring raw material availability and full traceability of specifications
- Compile Technical Data Sheets, Certificates of Conformance, and Nutritional Information
- Develop new product formulations and costings
- Ensure project deadlines are met
- Test and approve new raw materials
- Translate laboratory formulations into technical batch cards for production
- Oversee scaling up from laboratory to production while maintaining product quality
- Focus on new product development in Dairy, Beverages, Confectionery, Culinary, Flavourings, Nutraceuticals, and Novel Ingredients
- Write reports, summaries, and protocols for new product development
- Provide technical support to Sales, Quality, and Production Departments
- Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and legislation
- Compile, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory documentation
- Ensure proper management of laboratory equipment and analysis
- Oversee loading and maintenance of new raw materials and products
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment within the R&D team
- Upskill staff through knowledge sharing and training
- Maintain a respectful and motivational attitude towards all personnel
- Optimize cost of sales through value engineering of existing products
- Minimize costs for new product development
- Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of food science and chemistry
- Tertiary qualification (Degree/Diploma) in Food Technology or Food Science
- 5–10 years’ experience in R&D within food applications (Dairy, Beverage, Confectionery, Culinary, Flavourings, Nutraceuticals, or Novel Ingredients beneficial)
- Project management experience is an advantage
- Ability to work independently while aligning with broader business goals
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (English and Afrikaans)
- Willingness to travel occasionally within and beyond the region
- Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport required
- Comfortable tasting a variety of food and beverages
- Logical thinker with a hands-on, problem-solving approach
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
- Highly organised with strong multitasking and prioritisation skills
- Sense of urgency and keen attention to detail in trial planning and follow-ups
- Team player with a positive and motivating attitude
- Strong planning and problem-solving abilities
- Hardworking, dedicated, and energetic
Requirements:
- Oversee trials, ensuring raw material availability and full traceability of specifications
- Compile Technical Data Sheets, Certificates of Conformance, and Nutritional Information
- Develop new product formulations and costings
- Ensure project deadlines are met
- Test and approve new raw materials
- Translate laboratory formulations into technical batch cards for production
- Oversee scaling up from laboratory to production while maintaining product quality
- Focus on new product development in Dairy, Beverages, Confectionery, Culinary, Flavourings, Nutraceuticals, and Novel Ingredients
- Write reports, summaries, and protocols for new product development
- Provide technical support to Sales, Quality, and Production Departments
- Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and legislation
- Compile, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory documentation
- Ensure proper management of laboratory equipment and analysis
- Oversee loading and maintenance of new raw materials and products
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment within the R&D team
- Upskill staff through knowledge sharing and training
- Maintain a respectful and motivational attitude towards all personnel
- Optimize cost of sales through value engineering of existing products
- Minimize costs for new product development
- Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of food science and chemistry
- Tertiary qualification (Degree/Diploma) in Food Technology or Food Science
- 5–10 years’ experience in R&D within food applications (Dairy, Beverage, Confectionery, Culinary, Flavourings, Nutraceuticals, or Novel Ingredients beneficial)
- Project management experience is an advantage
- Ability to work independently while aligning with broader business goals
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (English and Afrikaans)
- Willingness to travel occasionally within and beyond the region
- Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport required
- Comfortable tasting a variety of food and beverages
- Logical thinker with a hands-on, problem-solving approach
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
- Highly organised with strong multitasking and prioritisation skills
- Sense of urgency and keen attention to detail in trial planning and follow-ups
- Team player with a positive and motivating attitude
- Strong planning and problem-solving abilities
- Hardworking, dedicated, and energetic
24 Feb 2025;
from:
careers24.com