Lead Product Technologist at Tiger Brands

Job Description
THE JOB AT A GLANCE:

• You will be responsible for the successfully development of good quality, sustainable, and cost effective products that are informed by a clear NPD brief. You will be expected to deliver on tasks on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier interface within the business/category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the NPD Manager to prioritise and drive projects to completion.

Responsibilities
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Work with suppliers to develop and source new raw materials that are specifically suited to the product ensuring that the raw materials have the necessary Certifications (Halaal / Kosher, etc.)
• Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the product
• Correct and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Raw Material Circulation form, Trial request, Trial report, etc.)
• Identify opportunities for the substitution of new raw materials in current products
• Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.)
• Stake Holder Management
• Play a strong role in external customer interface
• Provide Category Marketing with all key information necessary for designing consumer product research 
• Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects
• Recipe Development
• Draw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D system
• Conduct ambient and accelerated shelf-life tests
• Send samples for micro testing and for independent lab testing to ensure claims can be met
• Continuous Improvement
• Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run online.
• dHACCP studies – communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processes
• Interface strongly with Supply Chain to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projects
• Determine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirements
• Packaging Development
• Calculate NI’s and GDA’s and ensure back panel of packaging is correct

Qualifications
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• ND, BSc, BTech in Food Science, Food Technology Biochemistry or Chemistry
• 6 – 8 years’ Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Technical Knowledge - Knowledge of the science behind developing a new product. Subject matter expertise required
• Teamwork - Ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally
• Analytical and problem-solving skills - Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learnings
• Decision Making - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information received
• Time management and organisational skills - Ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projects
• Communication - Ability to conduct presentations to external parties such as customers and suppliers