Application Technologist – Exports (Food Industry) - Joblink Placement

Contact person for this position:  Amori Prinsloo

amori@joblinkplacement.co.za

Website: www.joblinkplacement.co.za

Location: Maitland – Cape Town

Reporting to: Exports Manager

Our client is urgently seeking the expertise of an Application Technologist to drive product development across Africa.

Main Purpose of the Job:

The main purpose of the role is to drive product development and application solutions across Culinary, Sweet and Bakery applications in Africa, developing innovative flavour formulations that meet customer requirements and consumer preferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science or a related field.
• 2 – 5 years’ relevant experience in product development and applications within the food processing industry
• Practical knowledge of seasoning development, flavour formulation and food processing technologies.
• Experience in project management and product development.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and customer relationship management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel across Africa regular.

Competencies

• Product development and technical expertise.
• Innovation and continuous improvement.
• Planning, organisation and project management.
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer focus and commercial awareness.
• Results orientation and teamwork

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop new flavour formulations from scratch, modify existing formulations and match customer products to meet specific requirements and consumer preferences.
• Interpret customer briefs and translate them into innovative, commercially viable flavour solutions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify, develop and introduce innovative raw materials and ingredients.
• Conduct application trials and work with application and sensory teams to test, evaluate and validate flavour solutions.
• Analyse and interpret analytical and sensory data to guide product development and formulation improvements.
• Support margin improvement initiatives by identifying cost-effective solutions and optimising the flavour portfolio.
• Work closely with Marketing, Savoury Application Specialists and other internal teams to develop customised presentations and solutions for key accounts.
• Engage directly with customers, attend factory trials and deliver technical presentations.
• Manage product development projects, ensuring customer expectations and project requirements are met.

Salary: R21 000 – R25 000 Basic negotiable + Standard FH company benefits based on experience