Job Description
Westfalia Fruit Products, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced Head of Product Development - South Africa, situated in Midrand, Johannesburg
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocados & fresh produce across the globe
Purpose of the role:
The successful incumbent will lead research, product development, and technical optimization activities for fresh and processed guacamole products across local and export markets, ensuring commercially viable product innovation, compliance, and successful product launches
Duties and Responsibilities:
Product Innovation & Commercialization (NPD)
Lead product development from concept brief to factory launch, including formulation, pilot trials, and scale-up validation
Conduct shelf-life studies (microbiological, sensory, and stability) for local chilled and extended export supply chains
Deliver commercially viable products that meet customer specifications, margin targets, and operational capability
Product Optimization & Continuous Improvement (EPD)
Reformulate existing SKUs to improve cost efficiency, avocado yield, and raw material utilization
Enhance product stability including color retention, texture consistency, and flavor profile while reducing complaints
Drive clean-label improvements, sodium reduction, and retailer-driven product upgrades
Technical Compliance & Export Governance
Support customer technical approvals, audits, and regulatory submissions
Maintain complete product documentation including specifications, allergen declarations, and validation reports
Ensure compliance with local and export food legislation, labeling requirements, and certification standards
Process & Technical Excellence
Optimize processing parameters including oxygen control, acidification, and HPP/MAP applications to maximize shelf-life and consistency
Lead factory trials and troubleshoot product or process deviations
Collaborate with Operations and QA to validate CCPs, shelf-life extensions, and quality improvements
Customer & Cross-Functional Leadership
Act as the primary technical contact for major customers and key accounts
Manage and develop the R&D team using structured stage-gate project management methodologies
Align R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Operations to deliver projects on time and within budget
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
BSc in Food Science or Consumer Science (essential)
Post-graduate NPD or formulation training advantageous
Proven food product development and commercialization experience, ideally within fresh or high-care categories
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and factory scale-up
Experience with food labelling laws, accreditation standards, packaging, and customer liaison
R&D team management experience with HSE knowledge and high-risk food exposure
Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, acidification, and shelf-life validation
Knowledge and Skills:
Sound understanding of local and export food legislation, labeling requirements, and certification standards
Ability to translate formulations into scalable manufacturing processes
Competence in stage-gate project management, cost modelling, margin management, and data-driven decision-making
Strong cross-functional leadership and customer-facing communication skills
Excellent problem-solving ability and team development capability
Commercially minded and results driven
Ownership and accountability
Collaborative and influential approach
Innovative and solution-oriented mindset
Resilient with strong attention to detail
Salary:
The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus
Closing date for applications: 28 May 2026