Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

Trouble-shoot/ problem solve and optimise new and existing processes for new and existing products, identify areas of improvement.

Develop new and improved methods and systems for processing, production , quality control, packaging and distribution.

Ensure production processes run smoothly and efficiently through analysing processes data gained from the production team, including line leaders and QC.

Investigate all quality issues, improvement projects, and cost reduction exercises.

Prepare necessary documents and scientific reports for all projects summarising tests, observations, processing concerns, manufacturing constraints and recommendations, with an understanding of the audience who it is aimed at to ensure that all can understand complicated technical information.

Liaise with the Food Safety Technologist in order to fully understand any quality trends, which may occur and take a proactive approach with respect to their resolution and prevention of reoccurrence.

Formulate and implement action plans to resolve any quality or food safety issues, all action plans to be agreed and signed off by the Technical Manager or Plant Manager.

Provide feedback for monthly QC sessions to the respective customer technologists / management team in order to verify that the actions completed have been done to a satisfactory standard.

Ensure that all changes to products and processes are communicated effectively to the wider teams, and in particular to the Specifications Technologist to ensure critical documentation is updated.

Carry out ad hoc PPC audits on products based on own risk assessment. Ensure that priorities are communicated and agreed with the Technical Manager, and the Plant Manager.

Carry out own production line walk through and 'mini-audits' to maintain a working knowledge of the factory.

Be the first port of call for the Production Manager and Line Leaders when production issues arise that require a technical resolution.

Pro-actively work side-by- side with New Product Technologists, Specifications Technologist and Food Safety Technologist.

Close liaison with the NPD Technologist in order to take factory trials to full product launches.

Utilise product specification drawn up by the NPD Technologist to verify the process flow and provide hazard inputs for hazard analysis.

Compile, maintain and train staff on Working Instructions for all machinery/ equipment.

Conduct training on any new equipment or processes introduced into the plant, in alignment with production, technical & maintenance.

Verify CCP- Cooking records on a daily basis and report on findings.

Conduct scheduled food safety training to staff, annually.

Act as a Liaison for Tempo and Deli.

Play a major role in developing and implementing the Technical Strategy with a focus on Product and Process improvements.

Qualifications

BTech or ND Food Technology or BSc Food Science or equivalence

Competencies and Skills Required

An in depth of Meat Science, Meat Microbiology and meat processing regulations in order to manage the safety and compliance of all products.

Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP), ISO, Regulatory Guidelines, Sensory, and/or Microbiology

An in-depth knowledge of standards and regulations such as SANS 885, R1283, R638, R146.

Keep abreast of new processing technologies in order to facilitate more effective production methods and potential NPD projects.

Think and operate independently, while simultaneously focusing on many diverse priorities

Demonstrate ability to lead directly and/or influence indirectly

Preferred experience in food packaging and/or processing, with an understanding of processes and machine operation

Excellent analytical and observational skills

Sound knowledge of industrial machines and mechanical processes

Advanced report-writing skills

Job Type: Temporary

Work Location: In person