Food Technologist

This position offers a wonderful opportunity to join the dynamic Babylonstoren team to assist in expanding our food product offering. The ideal candidate is solution oriented with experience in fresh and long-life foods, supplier management, food safety and food quality assurance processes. The successful candidate must possess leadership qualities, be able to work in a cross-functional team and take ownership of the position’s responsibilities. The role suits a highly motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and who can easily adapt to changing market and organisational requirements. You must be passionate about your work to the point where it inspires others. An innovative mindset and an ability to adjust to change will deliver successful job outputs and resulting job satisfaction.

Requirements:

• BSc Food Science or BTech Food Technology degree with 8-10 years’ experience (retail experience will be advantageous)
• Proven, relevant industry experience and knowledge across a wide range of products
• Understanding of high- and low-risk food processing and efficient segregation
• Understanding of cold chain management and critical control factors regarding maintenance of food products in optimum state
• Practical experience in and understanding of different food preparation stages and processes
• Knowledge of technical processes and principles, i.e. HACCP, GMP, root cause analysis, supply chain, raw materials, micro and listeria management
• Technical product knowledge, i.e. product characteristics, raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality and safety parameters
• Knowledge of packaging functionality and application
• Understanding of environmental management and sustainability

Desired competencies and skills:

• A project management approach for the delivery of key projects
• Identify problems and implement effective solutions in collaboration with your supplier base
• Well versed in relevant legislation and ability to play an influencing role
• Team-player attitude with the ability to work effectively within a diverse team
• Confident and able to steer decisions and principles to protect brand values
• Excellence, high standards, and continuous improvement mindset
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment
• Well-developed sensory skills, with diverse food experience and exposure
• Sound business acumen and judgment, with a problem-solving approach
• Exceptional project management, strategic development, and planning skills
• Networking and influencing skills
• Fluent in Afrikaans of English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Assertive conflict handling skills
• Proactive, innovative, and entrepreneurial approach
• Flexible with an ability and willingness to travel
• Excellent computer skills in all facets of use as a technical tool

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining brand integrity, product safety and risk mitigation
• Establish an innovative, safe, and technically led product plan and category strategy
• Develop products that are at the technological cutting edge, innovative, and high quality, which also adhere to Babylonstoren’s brand values of quality, freshness, innovation, inspiration, food safety and value
• Manage and monitor technical functions to meet the technical plan, product plan and ultimately the category strategy
• Technical communication and liaison with the buying team, suppliers, production facilities and Farm Shop
• Positively influence all contributing aspects of the supply chain to optimise quality and food safety
• Lead product and process audits, including the formulation of specifications
• Quality monitoring and reporting
• Provide technical input into category, technical and supplier strategies and ensure effective implementation
• Develop packaging that conform to legislation, correct nutritional information, and date marking/coding
• Supplier sourcing and approval based on basic hygiene and risk management
• Shelf-life assessment and implementation
• Ensure supplier and farm supply production efficiencies and quality management
• Source and approve raw material according to specifications and allergen management guidelines
• Troubleshoot quality issues and perform route cause analyses
• Uphold international standards for food manufacturing and processing, using cutting-edge equipment and processing technology knowledge and experience

Send your CV and salary expectation to [email protected].