R&D Technologist at RCL Foods

The Role

RCL FOODS is seeking a R&D Technologist to join our Group Division. The role will be based in Pretoria and report to the Technical Manager. RCL FOODS is looking for an innovative individual with good communication skills to join the team.

RCL FOODS entrusts the R&D Technologist to support the research, planning, coordination and execution of new product development, product quality improvements as well as cost saving initiatives from concept brief to product launch.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Food Science or BTech in Food Technology/Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition.
• 3 years or more experience in a Food-related FMCG environment within a R&D role.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous beverage experience would be advantageous.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategy Into Action.
• Actively research and understand latest market trends, competitor activity, operational knowledge and processes.

New Product Development

• Understand project scope and execute NPD system requirements (electronic documentation).
• Assist in product brief execution according to project scope requirements (Trials, product samples, tastes sessions, product analysis – shelf life/nutritionals etc).
• Assist in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams including relevant internal and selected external stakeholders – pre trial meetings and supplier briefs.
• Collect and record data to provide insights on the current and/or new materials, machine requirements, process flows, labor compliments, throughputs etc.

Product Quality and Cost Saving

• Identify product quality improvements and cost saving initiatives.
• Support and execute the agreed product quality improvements and cost saving initiatives.
• Collect and record data to provide insights on the current and/or new materials, machine requirements, process flows, labor compliments, throughputs etc.

Team coordinate and self-management

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities.
• Demonstrate self-drive and effective self-management.
• Drive and actively participate in regular performance appraisals and ensure that own targets and goals are relevant, clear and achievable.
• Develop and drive achievement of personal individual development plans.
• Support and drive the business core values.

Technical Expertise and Insight

• Gain practical expertise and insights through active engagement during trials and meetings.
• Ensure regular and interactive engagement with multi-disciplinary plant teams to gain understanding of products and processes.
• Actively pursue understanding and answers to problems that arising during in project team meetings through plant engagement and research.

Customer Relationship Management (internal)

• Drive technical customer service through KPI and efficiency achievement
• Engage regularly with customers to gain understanding of their needs

Operations Management

• Support the implementation of simplified production processes to increase operational effectiveness and efficiencies.
• Support the implementation of optimal plant line efficiencies through all new developments and cost saving projects.
• Support the Implementation of production processes that enables the plant to reduce plant wastages to a minimum.
• Conduct accurate time and motion studies.
• Ensure effective use of raw material into recipe formulations.

Compliance Management

• Champion the adherence to all legislative and industry standards
• Manage actions where required to ensure that there are no areas of non-compliance