R&D Technologist – Food Manufacturing (Montagu, Western Cape)

About the role

The R&D Technologist will lead product development for a food manufacturing site in Montagu, Western Cape. Reporting to the Head of NPD, you will create new recipes, improve existing products and ensure compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop new products from brief to factory‑ready recipe, including kitchen and factory trials.
• Prepare complete Bills of Materials, costings and nutritional calculations.
• Source and evaluate new raw and packaging materials, obtaining specifications, pricing and MOQ.
• Create product specifications, handover forms and artwork briefs, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Conduct shelf‑life, travel and religious compliance tests, and manage related documentation.
• Support cost‑saving and process‑efficiency projects, and assist with audits and customer complaints.
• Coordinate concept, pre‑trial, trial and post‑trial meetings and maintain clear communication across teams.

Required profile

• BSc in Food Science or ND Food Technology.
• Minimum 2 years experience in a similar R&D role within food manufacturing.
• Experience with FSSC 22000 standards.
• Fully computer literate in Microsoft Office Suite.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office
• FSSC 22000
• Syspro (ERP system for BOM loading)