Job Description

This position offers a wonderful opportunity to join the dynamic Babylonstoren team and contribute to the expansion of our food product offering. The ideal candidate is solution-driven, with experience in ready-to-eat (RTE) and long-life foods, product development, and food quality assurance processes. The successful candidate must possess strong leadership qualities, work effectively in a cross-functional team, and take ownership of the role's responsibilities. This opportunity suits a highly motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can easily adapt to changing market and organisational needs. An innovative and adaptable mindset will be key to delivering successful outcomes and achieving long-term job satisfaction.



Requirements:


BSc Food Science, BTech Food Technology, or a Culinary Arts qualification with 5-8 years' experience (RTE product experience advantageous).

Proven, relevant industry experience and knowledge across a wide range of RTE products.

Proven experience in product development, including both kitchen and factory trials.

Understanding of high- and low-risk food processing and effective segregation practices.

Experience in driving product improvements.

Experience in implementing process improvements within a factory environment.

Understanding of critical control factors and chemical analysis to ensure food products are maintained in their optimum state.

Working knowledge of packaging functionality and applications.

Knowledge of food safety principles and practices.


Desired competencies and skills:


Project management skills for the successful delivery of key initiatives.

Ability to capture structured and detailed documentation of kitchen and factory trials and processes.

Well-versed in relevant food safety, labelling, and regulatory legislation.

Team-player attitude with the ability to work effectively in a diverse and collaborative team environment.

Commitment to excellence, high standards, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Well-developed sensory skills with diverse food experience and exposure.

Strong capabilities in project management, strategic planning, and operational development.

Fluency in Afrikaans and English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Assertive conflict resolution skills.


Responsibilities:


Develop innovative, high-quality products that align with Babylonstoren's brand values of quality, freshness, innovation, inspiration, food safety, and value.

Lead recipe development for RTE products.

Manage kitchen and factory trials, including documentation and chemical analysis.

Prepare and maintain quality assurance documentation, such as process flows and product specifications for new products.

Lead product and process audits to improve existing products and ensure consistent high quality.

Conduct shelf-life assessments and implement findings (microbially and organoleptically).

Source and approve raw materials according to specifications for new ingredients.

Troubleshoot quality issues and perform root-cause analyses with the quality team when recipe changes are required.

* Uphold international food manufacturing and processing standards, applying knowledge and experience of cutting-edge equipment and processing technology.