R&D (Research and Development) Technologist

SUMMARY:
We are looking for a R&D (Research and Development) Technologist for a company within the FMCG industry based in Centurion.

POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the role:
The R&D (Research and Development) Technologist is responsible for development of new sports nutrition products, research of new ingredients applicable to the field of sports nutrition and its successful application in final product, sourcing of new raw materials, evaluation of flavours and new raw materials, compiling nutritional information for labelling of products, and driving innovation in the R&D team. They must be creative yet analytical thinkers and have excellent leadership and communication skills.

Requirements:

• 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 driver’s license and own vehicle

• Sourcing of new raw materials.
• Evaluating raw material submissions from suppliers.
• Developing products from stipulated brief.
• Resubmission of samples with feedback applied.
• Approval of cost of new product formulas.
• Make bulk of approved formulas.

• Receiving and filing of documentation on all new raw materials.
• Log in new information of raw materials into formulation sheet.
• Submission of NI (nutritional information).
• Creation or amendments of Batch Cards.
• Compiling bulk BOMs.

• 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.

• 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 and corrections.

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