Job Description

Job Category: Research and Development
Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
:
THE JOB AT A GLANCE:
You will be responsible for the successfully development of good quality, sustainable, and cost effective products that are informed by a clear NPD brief. You will be expected to deliver on tasks on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier interface within the business/category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the NPD Manager to prioritise and drive projects to completion.
Responsibilities:
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Work with suppliers to develop and source new raw materials that are specifically suited to the product ensuring that the raw materials have the necessary Certifications (Halaal / Kosher, etc.)
• Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the product
• Correct and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Raw Material Circulation form, Trial request, Trial report, etc.)
• Identify opportunities for the substitution of new raw materials in current products

• Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.)
• Stake Holder Management
• Play a strong role in external customer interface
• Provide Category Marketing with all key information necessary for designing consumer product research
• Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects
• Recipe Development
• Draw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D system
• Conduct ambient and accelerated shelf-life tests
• Send samples for micro testing and for independent lab testing to ensure claims can be met
• Continuous Improvement
• Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run online.
• dHACCP studies - communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processes
• Interface strongly with Supply Chain to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projects
• Determine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirements
• Packaging Development
• Calculate NI's and GDA's and ensure back panel of packaging is correct

Qualifications:
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• ND, BSc, BTech in Food Science, Food Technology Biochemistry or Chemistry
• 6 - 8 years' Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Technical Knowledge - Knowledge of the science behind developing a new product. Subject matter expertise required
• Teamwork - Ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally
• Analytical and problem-solving skills - Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learnings
• Decision Making - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information received
• Time management and organisational skills - Ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projects
• Communication - Ability to conduct presentations to external parties such as customers and suppliers

About Us:
Tiger Brands is proudly Africa's largest listed manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). We impact lives every day with our iconic, award-winning brands. Our core business is the manufacture, market and distribute everyday branded food and beverages. Our products are relevant across every meal occasion and are well positioned to grow.
Being a food company means we're an intimate part of everybody's daily lives and that's why we get loud and proud about exploring further, roaring louder and growing together.
In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.