Job Description

Reporting: NPD Manager
Location: Westlake
Cape Herb & Spice has grown from entrepreneurial roots into a global FMCG player, employing over 500 people across 5 sites in Cape Town. With a diverse range of products across multiple categories, we pride ourselves on innovation, quality and bold flavour.
This role offers the opportunity to work with world-class brands, gain international exposure, and build an exciting career at the intersection of science, creativity and food.
Purpose:
The Spice Division is seeking a technically strong yet foodie-inspired Product Developer - someone who can balance scientific precision with a genuine love of cooking. Youll lead NPD projects for key global customers, driving innovation and ensuring commercial and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Research and stay ahead of global culinary trends, ingredients, and technologies
Develop technically sound, flavour-forward, and commercially viable products
Project manage all stages of development to ensure on-time, compliant launches
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, QA, Procurement, Sales and customers
Ensure all products meet country-specific regulations and certifications
Source and evaluate sustainable raw materials
Work with suppliers to develop packaging solutions
Provide technical problem-solving and product support to internal teams
Drive packaging & innovation development and supplier trials, ensuring quality and cost efficiency
Education & Experience:
Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Consumer Science, or equivalent technical qualification
24 years experience in product development or technical roles in food manufacturing (510 years without degree)
Strong project management and commercialisation experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel intermediate level)
Personal Characteristics:
Technically meticulous, creatively curious, and passionate about flavour
A true foodie who draws inspiration from global cuisines
Deadline-driven, proactive, and adaptable
Strong communicator and collaborator
Commercially minded with attention to both detail and the bigger picture
Thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
A curious mind and a true love for food and flavour
If youre passionate about turning flavour ideas into world-class products and want to help shape the next chapter of spice innovation, join our team at Cape Herb & Spice.
If you have not received a response within two weeks of application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes anothers personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that persons personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.
To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/. Printed copies of this Processing Notice can also be accessed from the HR department. We kindly request that you read the HR Processing Notice to ensure that you understand how Libstar uses and processes your personal information.

Skills Required