Job Description

Introduction to the VKB Group
The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the farm-foods for consumers. Apart from the various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years.
Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now also operate in all areas of the food supply chain: processing, logistics, and national and global market channels.
This "house of brands" we've established with the support of our farmer shareholders is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.
Our purpose
Touch lives - for the better: We always aim to make a positive impact in people's lives: our employees, producers, clients, communities and the larger industry. And, through collaboration with this group of people, we strive to make an even bigger and longer lasting impact in the lives of all South Africans.
Values
We live by five important values:
We are HUMBLE
We acknowledge that we are blessed
We are HUNGRY
We do not settle for mediocre
We are BOLD
We do what is right, even if it scares us
We are SMART
We consider our words and actions
We are TEAM PLAYERS
No-one can do this alone
Our legacy
For the Love of the Land: We do it all for our legacy and the love of nature, people, country, sustainability and progress.
More about QPro Feeds
QPro Feeds is a dynamic Animal Feed Manufacturing business with a facility in both Bethlehem and Vrede. We are responsible for producing animal feed to in-house clients as well as external clients in the monogastric and ruminant fields.

The ideal team player will play a pivotal role in overseeing the nutritional, technical, and quality assurance aspects of ruminant and monogastric feed production. This includes innovation in product development, managing feed formulation, ensuring compliance with industry standards, optimising raw material usage, and providing strategic technical support across departments. The role combines leadership in formulation, regulatory oversight, and cross-functional coordination to ensure QPro delivers top-quality, cost-effective feed products aligned with market needs.
Requirements

• A degree in Animal Science, Nutrition, or a related field (post-graduate advantageous).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in feed formulation and technical feed management.
• Proven track record in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and product development.
• Experience in customer-facing technical support roles within the agricultural/animal feed industry.

• Management and monthly recalculation of product costing and sales prices to maintain and optimise gross profit margins.
• Development of new feed formulations and the re-formulation of existing products based on performance and cost analysis.
• Updating and managing formulas in Kairos and ensuring accuracy across all product codes.
• Creation and management of raw material and finished goods (FG) codes.
• Moisture management in feed products to ensure consistency and quality.
• Breaking down raw materials outside of formulation programs for accurate evaluation and costing.
• Oversight of the custom mix process to ensure client-specific needs are met.
• Proactive management of slow-moving raw materials and micro-ingredients.
• End-to-end coordination and management of the Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) functions.
• Presentation of QPro QC data at GFC Technical Meetings.
• Ensure inclusion levels of medicated feed are correct and accurately reflected in sales orders.
• Collaborate with procurement in supplier selection and raw material matrix management based on ongoing RM analysis.
• Manage rework strategies and feed formulation adjustments accordingly.
• Maintain up-to-date product registrations and lead audit preparations (e.g., AFMA compliance).
• Conduct R&D to improve current products and develop innovative feed solutions.
• Drive new product development aligned with market trends and nutritional advancements.
• Coordinate client field trials and analyse outcomes to inform product development.
• Publish nutritional and promotional content to support marketing and technical communications.
• Provide expert-level technical support to marketers, production teams, and clients.
• Handle escalated customer complaints and offer actionable solutions.
• Consult clients on feed performance, dosage optimisation, and interpret batch reports.
• Facilitate and conduct training sessions for staff and clients on feed-related topics.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with high-value clients through regular site visits, performance reviews, and proactive support.
• Monitor and analyse product performance on client farms, providing feedback and tailored advice.

• Advanced knowledge of feed formulation (Format software essential).
• High proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Deep understanding of raw material specifications, nutritional profiles, and medication regulations.
• Strong analytical ability in cost analysis and formulation accuracy.
• Strong communication and persuasive presentation skills.
• High level of problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Excellent planning, scheduling, and networking skills.
• Resilient and able to perform under pressure.
• Strong leadership and negotiation capability.