Food Technologist: Value Added at Astral Foods Ltd

Closing Date: 15 February 2026

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead formulation, trials and validation of new and existing value-added poultry products.
• Drive continuous product improvement to meet customer expectations, quality standards and cost targets.
• Develop, maintain and manage technical specifications, ingredient declarations and labelling compliance in line with South African food legislation.
• Provide technical support and oversight to internal production facilities and external co-packers, ensuring consistent product performance.
• Conduct sensory analysis, shelf-life testing and product benchmarking, translating insights into actionable improvements.
• Investigate technical deviations, complaints and non-conformances, implementing corrective actions.
• Provide technical input into supply chain, procurement and marketing initiatives, including ingredient sourcing and product claims support.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Technical, Operations, Sales and Marketing teams.
• Maintain strong understanding of trends, competitor technologies, and market innovation.

Qualifications, Experience and Key Competencies:

• BSc or BTech in Food Technology, Food Science or a related qualification.
• 4–6 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably within poultry, meat or value-added protein categories.
• Proven experience in product development, formulation and factory trials.
• Strong working knowledge of South African food legislation and labelling requirements.
• Experience working with co-packers or multiple manufacturing sites will be advantageous.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capability.
• Excellent planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and work effectively across functions.
• High attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of personal and professional integrity.