Raw Material Specialist at Puratos

Raw Material Data and Regulatory Specialist – (Johannesburg, South Africa)

• Reporting directly to the R&D Executive, the successful candidate for this key function will be responsible for:
• Ensure Lead upstream research on critical raw materials to enhance understanding of their interactions with diverse formulations.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data from raw material, trials and customer engagements to support the development of predictive models and innovative solutions.
• Act as the local regulatory authority, ensuring all raw materials, products, processes, and packaging comply with current food safety standards and local legislation, while proactively anticipating and preparing for future regulatory changes.

KEY TASKS

• Serve as the primary liaison between Puratos Headquarters GRS and the local R&D team.
• Develop and implement a testing plan aligned with business priorities, with focus on major accounts
• Design and propose testing methodologies tailored to the specific requirements of the South African market
• Investigate new existing materials and evaluate their suitability for application.
• Contribute to raw material initiatives at the group level.
• Organize training sessions on raw material to share and disseminate knowledge across the region
• Participate in innovation projects where specialized raw material expertise is required.
• Collaborate with technical experts to develop AI models that predict raw material performance and evolution.
• Coordinate with Puratos Headquarters to automate reporting processes that support lab trials and customer interactions.
• Ensure proper management and storage of all data to enable future AI driven predictive modelling.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive database to track raw material analyses.
• Act as the company’s regulatory expert
• Provide final approval during product development to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
• Advise technical teams, sales teams, and customers on regulatory inquiries.
• Participate in regulatory reviews and updates with the South African Chamber of Baking
• Serve as the key link between the company and Puratos Headquarters’ regulatory team

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Matric and Degree in BSc Science or relevant Qualification
• At least 2 – 3 years’ proven experience in the following areas: Raw material, data, or regulatory compliance
• Strong interest in innovation, particularly in AI and predictive
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Creative, innovative, and service-oriented with a collaborative mindset
• Good communication skills - English is a prerequisite - ability to read and write; additional language(s) an advantage.
• Written comprehension – the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Good personality, hardworking, teamwork, service orientated, creative, innovative, trustworthy, open to learn from feedback.