Research & Development Technologist

Full description

Company RCL Foods Functions R and D Job Type Classification Permanent Location - Town / City Pretoria West Job Description RCL FOODS is a deeply rooted South African food manufacturer that produces some of the country’s most-loved brands, including Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, Ouma rusks, and Selati sugar, just to name a few. At the heart of our culture and strategy is our Purpose – WE GROW WHAT MATTERS – which reflects our belief in collectively doing that little more to create a positive impact that truly matters. Visit our website: www.rclfoods.com RCL FOODS is seeking a dynamic Research and Development Technologist join our Milling division in Pretoria West. Purpose of the role: 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 qualification - National Diploma or BTech in Food Technology or equivalent qualification - Computer literacy courses - 2 years R&D experience with in-store baking and/or plant baking experience 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/maize/coatings, 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 : - Provide input towards the development of project timelines for all projects in the R&D pipeline. - Manage project delivery against project timelines. Quality Assessments : - Conduct quality assessments such as softness, texture, volume, water activity studies, sensory analysis where required. - Interpretation of data collected from the quality assessment instruments. 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 project specifications. - Completing shelf-life test reports. 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