Food Technologist

SUMMARY:
Historic Wine Estate based in the Franschhoek Valley is currently recruiting for a Food Technologist.
 
This position offers a wonderful opportunity to join a dynamic team to assist in expanding their food product offering. The ideal candidate is solution oriented with experience in fresh and long-life foods, supplier management, food safety and food quality assurance processes.
 
The successful candidate must possess leadership qualities, be able to work in a cross-functional team and take ownership of the position’s responsibilities. The role suits a highly motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and who can easily adapt to changing market and organisational requirements.
 
You must be passionate about your work to the point where it inspires others. An innovative mindset and an ability to adjust to change will deliver successful job outputs and resulting job satisfaction.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:

Maintaining brand integrity, product safety and risk mitigation
Establish an innovative, safe, and technically led product plan and category strategy
Develop products that are at the technological cutting edge, innovative, and high quality, which adhere to the brands values of quality, freshness, innovation, inspiration, food safety and value
Manage and monitor technical functions to meet the technical plan, product plan and ultimately the category strategy
Technical communication and liaison with the buying team, suppliers, production facilities and farm Shop
Positively influence all contributing aspects of the supply chain to optimise quality and food safety
Lead product and process audits, including the formulation of specifications
Quality monitoring and reporting
Provide technical input into category, technical and supplier strategies and ensure effective implementation
Develop packaging that conform to legislation, correct nutritional information, and date marking / coding
Supplier sourcing and approval based on basic hygiene and risk management
Shelf-life assessment and implementation
Ensure supplier and farm supply production efficiencies and quality management
Source and approve raw material according to specifications and allergen management guidelines
Troubleshoot quality issues and perform route cause analyses
Uphold international standards for food manufacturing and processing, using cutting-edge equipment and processing technology knowledge and experience

Requirements:

BSc Food Science or BTech Food Technology Degree
At least 8-10 years’ experience
Retail Sector background will be an advantage
Proven, relevant industry experience and knowledge across a wide range of products
Understanding of high- and low-risk food processing and efficient segregation
Understanding of cold chain management and critical control factors regarding maintenance of food products in optimum state
Practical experience in and understanding of different food preparation stages and processes
Knowledge of technical processes and principles, i.e. HACCP, GMP, root cause analysis, supply chain, raw materials, micro and listeria management
Technical product knowledge, i.e. product characteristics, raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality and safety parameters
Knowledge of packaging functionality and application
Understanding of environmental management and sustainability
Fluent in Afrikaans with excellent verbal and written communication skills