Application Technologist – Exports (Food Industry)

About the role

A client of Joblink Placement is urgently seeking an Application Technologist to drive product development and application solutions across culinary, sweet and bakery applications in Africa. The role develops innovative flavour formulations that meet customer requirements and consumer preferences, reporting to the Exports Manager. The advertised location is Maitland, Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

• Develop new flavour formulations from scratch, modify existing ones and match customer products to their needs.
• Interpret customer briefs and turn them into commercially viable flavour solutions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify, develop and introduce new raw materials and ingredients.
• Run application trials with application and sensory teams to test, evaluate and validate flavour solutions.
• Analyse analytical and sensory data to guide product development and formulation improvements.
• Support margin improvement by finding cost-effective solutions and optimising the flavour portfolio.
• Work with Marketing, Savoury Application Specialists and other teams to prepare customised presentations for key accounts.
• Engage directly with customers, attend factory trials and deliver technical presentations.
• Manage product development projects so that customer expectations and project requirements are met.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in product development and applications within the food processing industry.
• Practical knowledge of seasoning development, flavour formulation and food processing technologies.
• Experience in project management and product development.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across Africa.

Required skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and customer relationship management skills.
• Planning, organisation and project management; attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Customer focus, commercial awareness, results orientation and teamwork.

What we offer

• Basic salary of R21,000 to R25,000, negotiable.
• Standard FH company benefits depending on experience.