Food Science Graduate at AVI Limited

Job Description
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN A COMPANY WHERE REAL PEOPLE DO EXCEPTIONAL THINGS? 

At our two NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED (NBL) Biscuits Factories in Isando, Gauteng and Westmead, KwaZulu Natal we don’t just bake biscuits; we create memorable moments with the finest ingredients adding a sprinkle of magic in every bite! From the rich, chocolatey goodness of Romany Creams, to the nostalgic Zoo biscuits, or the thrill of opening Bakers Choice Assorted on Christmas day, we have been at the forefront of creating countless cherished memories for South Africans' lives for over 170 years. 

AVI Limited is seeking an enthusiastic FOOD SCIENCE GRADUATE to join our NBL WESTMEAD BISCUITS FACTORY, based in Westmead, KwaZulu Natal. At this factory we create a variety of our beloved creamed and enrobed biscuits, including Romany Tarte, Zoo, Choc-Kits, Gossips, Topper, Jolly Jammers, Red Label, Romany Creams, and Strawberry Whirls. Our lineup also features the iconic and classic Choice Assorted and the latest innovation to our ‘Swirl of Magical’ biscuit family: Choc-oBreak, Tennis Doubles, and ZooZoos. 

As a FOOD SCIENCE GRADUATE at NATIONAL BRANDS WESTMEAD BISCUITS FACTORY, you'll assist in maintaining and improving current production processes and technologies, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. You'll collect and analyse data to support process improvements and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations. You will gain experience in preparing detailed reports on your findings and progress, contributing to the continuous enhancement of our production processes. Join us, and become part of our biscuit-making magic! 

Why you should join our NBL Biscuits Team:

• Innovative Environment: Work in a forward-thinking company where your contributions are valued.
• Career Growth: Gain hands-on experience that will help you grow professionally.
• Dynamic Team: Join a supportive and collaborative team.
• Impact: See the direct results of your work and make a meaningful impact on our production processes. 

Why join AVI Limited & NBL as a Graduate?

Our meticulously designed 24-month AVI-Graduate Programme incorporates:

• Comprehensive hands-on experience and opportunities to develop your technical, leadership, and business skills
• Real exposure and practical learning in actual working environments
• Constant mentorship, guidance and support
• Exposure to a host of diverse operational and business situations spanning from:
  • Improvement projects
  • CSI Initiatives
  • Skills training
  • Behavioural development 

What you will be doing:

Research and Development:

• Process Optimisation Projects: Work on projects to enhance and streamline our production processes, ensuring our biscuits are always of the highest quality.
• New Product Trials: Get involved in testing and trialling new product ideas, contributing to the innovation of our beloved biscuit range.

Technical and Quality Assurance:

• Support: Provide essential technical and quality assurance support to maintain our high standards.
• Data Analysis: Analyse data to develop and refine protocols, ensuring our products meet regulatory and company standards consistently.

Reporting:

• Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on your findings, contributing to ongoing process improvements and ensuring clear team communication. 

What you will need to be considered:

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science with a major in Food Sciences is essential
• A Bachelor of Science Honours or Masters in Food Science will be advantageous
• A minimum average of 60% in the final year of studies 

Additional Requirements:

• Effective Communicator: Ability to relate to and communicate confidently in English across various organisational levels.
• Flexible Availability: Willingness to travel between our factories and work different shifts on an ad hoc basis
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt quickly and ask questions in a fast-paced factory environment, embrace different approaches and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Factory Enthusiast: Willingness to work in a manufacturing and factory environment with minimal office work.
• Physical Fit: Capability to work long hours, walk long distances, and work in a physically demanding environment. 
• Mobile: Must have a valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

What makes you an exceptional fit for the role?

• Energetic and Hands-On: You're excited to dive into factory operations with enthusiasm and drive.
• Analytical and Solution-Focused: You tackle problems head-on, asking the right questions and analysing information to find effective solutions.
• Fact-Oriented: You’re all about gathering and documenting the facts to understand the core of any issue.
• Conceptual Thinker: You approach new ideas with a strategic mindset, applying relevant theories to solve problems.
• Reliable and Deadline-Driven: You manage your tasks efficiently and meet deadlines consistently.
• Detail-Oriented: You’re meticulous about your work, ensuring high quality through constant checking and refinement.
• Team Builder: You excel at forming and nurturing valuable partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Composed Under Pressure: You stay calm and collected, even in stressful or high-stakes situations.
• Confident Communicator: You articulate your ideas clearly and confidently, making complex concepts easy to understand in presentations.