Technical Product Developer at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The Technical Product Development role is a highly specialised, operational role within the national private label development team that participates in various activities related to the technical specifications and actual production during the product’s development phases within the factory environment. Whilst an integral part of the process includes technical quality assurance of the product, this role works alongside the QA Technicians who manage the quality aspects whilst this role focuses on the broader aspects of development and production. The purpose of the role is ensure that the product developers work according to the development plan and ensure the product is delivered within the approved time, quality and costing assignments/standards approved for the product.

Job Objectives    

• Deliver a product development plan that delivers leading innovation, maximises core growth, ensures consistent high quality, value for money and exceeds our customer’s expectations, whilst contributing to the category’s overall profitability.
• Manage and implement the product development process within the category to ensure that product ranges are delivered in line with agreed product direction whilst adhering to brand values.
• Conduct strategic product research and portfolio development and give input to and implement category and supplier strategies , also ensure reformulating existing products for improvement within the options.
• Integrate with cross functional team in commercial, technology and planning wrt the launching of competitive, profitable ranges
• Deliver the necessary inputs for the packaging development requirements for the range. Liaising with the Packaging and Marketing Department in respect of concepts, packaging and the process of new product development
• In conjunction with the technical team, set and continuously improve the quality standards and technical product specifications of the product ranges through local and international benchmarking ensure compliance.
• Work closely with and maintain/grow the relationship with the production team in order to maintain the quality standards and internal systems, process flows and traceability, from receipt of raw product, through production to finished goods.
• Develop and maintain sustainable, mutually beneficial long term relationships with suppliers that enables the acquisition of the best products and inputs from suppliers.
• Draw up shelf life testing protocols, conclude examination of samples, oversee trials, review and establish trend results and make recommendations. Design, conduct and document sensory evaluations and tastings.
• Compiling and checking ingredient lists, packaging information and specifications (continuously monitoring the use of additives),
• Support Shoprite in professionally liaising with industry key role-players e.g. SAMPA, CGCSA and SAFoST as and when required and as a Food safety team member, act as a liaison to the Quality Assurance Department concerning GMP, HACCP, ISO standards, specifications, customer complaints and other quality matters.
• Using lessons learnt to analyse catalogue and identify product eliminations, upgrades, and new opportunities to maximize the product/category.
• Provide ongoing Factory support in any product related technical challenges and production process improvements.

Qualifications    

• BSc - Consumer/Food Science or BTech - Food Technology and/or other relevant Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics and Culinary related or equivalent

Experience    

• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar role (Food Production and Technical Specification / Product Development and Quality Control)
• Including experience and exposure:
• 2-3 years Research and Development / New Product Development in a food FMCG manufacturing/production environment - preferably in edible and/or non-edible grocery items and/or Frozen and chilled perishable items
• 1-2 years experience developing food products from inception, through production to the launching stage, improving new and existing products
• 1-2 years experience working with Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP), Food Safety Systems Certification (FSSC), and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards

Knowledge and Skills    

• Self-motivated and driven with strong integrity - take accountability for actions and mistakes.
• Collaborative partnering – build relationships both internally and externally. Open, honest and direct, is comfortable in giving and receiving constructive feedback. Think and act independently as well as collaboratively.
• Operational efficiency – someone who can spread themselves across multiple tasks simultaneously by working smartly, efficiently and effectively. Diligently staying on top of the details and understanding how they fit into the big picture.
• Time management - ability to prioritise a high volume of projects simultaneously in a fast-paced unpredictable environment. Identify the urgent & important tasks and priorities to ensure delivery to client and other stakeholders.
• Innovative and solution-orientated – thinks outside of the box. Sound judgment, quick decision-making and the ability to generate both short and long term solutions that serve the flow of work and meeting deadlines. Ability to drive and interpret innovation strategy, product roadmaps and specific production development timelines.
• Exceptional communication - approachable, adopt a range of communication styles to facilitate and deal with challenges internally and externally.
• Sound Evaluator (a superior palate and sensory evaluation abilities) - work with various flavours and textures.
• Data analysis and interpretation - ability to analyse and interpret data and reports and apply numerical assessment during the evaluation or performance measurement process.
• A passion for food production - generating new product ideas and recipes and modifying and improving existing recipes.
• Champion of compliance - zero tolerance to poor quality pertaining food hygiene and safety, follow company, supplier and government quality and safety standards