Food Technologist - New Product Developer

Remuneration:	R19000 - R23000 per month negotiable basic salary
Benefits:	Company Provident Fund
Location:	Cape Town, Muizenberg
Education level:	Degree
Job level:	Mid/Senior
Type:	Permanent
Reference:	#NPD2
Company:	Pesto Princess Foods (Pty) Ltd

The role
Pesto Princess wishes to employ an experienced new product developer who will drive and manage the development and costing of new products, existing product improvements and ongoing cost-saving initiatives.

About Pesto Princess Foods
Pesto Princess manufactures fresh, preservative-free pesto sauces, soups, cooking sauces and dips sold through retail chains and food distributors nationwide. The factory is in a secure business park in the South Peninsula in Cape Town.

Core responsibilities, duties and tasks

• Manage multiple development projects from initial concept to launch.
• Conduct factory trials, travel tests and first productions on new lines.
• Evaluate samples and coordinate tastings and bench-marking sessions.
• Conduct shelf-life tests to validate product shelf stability.
• Source suitable suppliers according to food safety, price, capacity, and terms.
• Review technical supplier documentation on new suppliers / raw materials required in new developments.
• Create and/or maintain raw material, packaging, in-process, and finished product specifications.
• Create artwork briefs according to relevant legislation, check artwork and sign off print runs and online approval.
• Solve production challenges relating to new or existing products.
• Ensure product detail on internal evolution system, is captured accurately, and maintained.
• Support production initiatives like process improvement projects to improve the manufacturing process of existing products.
• Keep abreast of trends in food product development and food technology and share relevant.
• Provide technical support to other departments: quality assurance, operations, procurement, and sales.

Skills, experience and attributes

• You have a BSc/BTech/national diploma in food science/technology or similar qualification.
• You have 2- 3 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• You’re experienced in Excel, Word, Sage Evolution or similar systems.
• You’re creative, innovative, solution-driven, and proactive.
• You’re able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, while still paying close attention to details.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Your ability to follow instructions and procedures is essential.
• You’re passionate about environmental sustainability.
• You care and have high integrity.

Company culture

Pesto Princess is rapidly evolving. We have identified caring as being the key ingredient on this journey. If you care about the customer, care about producing excellent work, and care about the impact the business has on the environment, then this position is for you. Since we will also be caring for you, be prepared to do the extraordinary, and have your talents developed.

Apply for this job.

There are two steps to your application.

1. Write a one-page letter of motivation explaining why you are the best candidate for this position.
2. Update your CV and send it to apply@pesto.co.za along with the letter of motivation.

Closing date 9h00 Wednesday 26 June 2024. If you have not heard from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We reserve the right to re-advertise should we not find a suitable candidate.

Company Description

Pesto Princess Foods manufactures fresh, preservative-free pesto sauces, soups, cooking sauces & dips sold through retail chains and food distributors nationwide. The factory is in a secure business park in the South Peninsula in Cape Town.

Posted on 12 Jun 10:08, Closing date 11 Aug