Job Description

Job purpose:

The main purpose of the role is to create new products or to help improve existing products to meet specific briefs or consumer insights, working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

To achieve this, the incumbent is required to remain aware & up-t- date on the latest food trends & to have a good understanding of the different market categories. They should also have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of food & ingredients, as well as a practical understanding of the workings of the production environment. Establishing & maintaining good interpersonal relationships with internal & external customers & co-workers would be a priority, to ensure maximum co-operation within the team. Essentially the role involves project management, specifically relating to timelines, co-ordination of people & resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Designs and/or develops new products, including possible proprietary items, according to the organization's Product Development plan. Researches & creates concepts to satisfy customer briefs or consumer insights. Assists in continual evaluation and searches for improvements to existing products, according to changing customer needs, product complaints/dissatisfaction or internal production/servicing difficulties in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Reviews adaptation of existing products for new applications or other customer markets. Completes all documentation for presentation, costing and recording of the development process (organoleptic evaluation & recording). Provides accurate information for the generation of specifications & obtains all new ingredient, raw material & packaging specifications in correct formats. Generate project plans, time lines & any relevant documentation relating to the project outline to convey to the team & to ensure clarity of accountabilities is understood by all Liaise with ingredient, raw material & packaging suppliers on existing & new requirements & to ensure staying up to date with any new developments in these areas. Ensure that costing information relating to projects is accurate & sign off on costings generated by relevant parties (checking yields & pricing). Ensure project CPA (critical path) is maintained to achieve agreed launch date & if any bottle necks or delays are experienced, this is communicated to all parties Ensure all raw materials, ingredients & packaging used in product development complies with legislation & specific customer requirements. Remain custodian of all products throughout the life cycle May be required to participate in suggesting ideal equipment or assist in the selection of equipment for new products or product changes - documentation may include photographs of visual end product appearance to be achieved, product specifications, and production recommendations. Assist Marketing team, when required, by designing and/or developing social media content. This includes recipe development and food styling for social media photographs and videos.

Skills Required:

Possess at least 2 years food product development experience, preferably within Food or FMCG industry Consumer Science Degree / ND with specialisation in food & nutrition or related subjects You will be highly organised, have excellent attention to detail Computer literacy - Microsoft Office Suite. Soild understanding of food hygiene, HACCP and food safety Understanding of science of food, including basic chemistry & nutrition Possess a valid drivers licence. Good people / relationship building skills Highly creative & innovative - enjoy cooking; research new trends Basic understanding of marketing & consumer profiling High level of analytical / numeracy / costing skills
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person