R & D Technologist - Pretoria West at RCL Foods

• The role will be based in Pretoria West and report to the R&D Manager. RCL FOODS is looking for an incumbent to develop products according to brief, lead all laboratory and factory trials, and manage delivery of R&D projects from concept to launch.

Minimum Requirements    

• BSc or BSc(Hons) in Food Science or equivalent Science qualification 
• National Diploma or BTech in Food Technology or equivalent qualification 
• BSc Food Science / B.Tech Food Technology or equivalent 
• Computer literacy courses 
• 1- 2 years R&D experience with in-store baking and/or plant baking experience/Baking lab experience (scarce skill) 

Knowledge and Skill

• Behavior Standards
• Display personal drive
• Attention to detail
• Natural curiosity
• Accountability and ownership of projects
• Accuracy
• Self-management
• Time management
• Punctual
• Dependable
• Go the extra mile

Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of flour, it’s quality specifications and associated applications
• Understanding of baking (bread and flour confectionery)
• Detailed knowledge of the instruments used for bread quality assessments
• Knowledge of bakery SOP’s
• Technical knowledge of raw materials
• Basic laboratory management
• Computer literacy

Skills
Administrative

• Planning & Time Management

Attributes

• Attention to detail
• Professional

Problem Solving

• Sourcing alternative ingredients to deliver best product quality (target softness, texture, flavor etc.) during the development process
• Troubleshooting in baking / bakery / blending processes

Duties & Responsibilities    
Innovation

• Conduct regular trade reviews and identify gaps in the market for potential innovations.
• Assist in customer presentations and conduct proactive product development.
• Identify opportunities in current product recipes and processes for recipe and cost optimisation.

Product development

• Develop products according to project brief or customer specification.
• Conduct the necessary laboratory and factory trials for the launch of new products.
• Develop make-up recipe and cooking instructions, for premixes and maize products, respectively.
• Liaise with suppliers for the sourcing of new ingredients.
• Keep abreast with new ingredient technologies for recipe and cost optimisation.
• Screening of all raw materials to ensure they are suitable for the application and/or manufacturing plant.
• Conduct sensory evaluation / tasting sessions for products that are in development

Develop product specifications
Conduct product shelf life tests and reports
Train the production teams on how to manufacture the new product while conducting factory trials in conjunction with them
Liaise with commercial teams to complete product costings

Project Management
Develop project timelines for all projects in the R&D pipeline
Manage project delivery against project timelines

Quality Assessments
Conduct softness, texture, volume, and water activity studies, where required.
Interpretation of data collected from the quality assessment instruments.
Ensure that developed products are to meet RCL Foods food safety standard.

Administration & Reporting

• Recording of all laboratory trial data
• Ensuring all relevant QC & Food Safety documents are completed for all new ingredients
• Completing and archiving of all laboratory trial data
• Compiling of all factory trial reports
• Drafting of ingredients, products and process specifications
• Completing shelf life test reports

Closing Date    
2023/05/23