Lead Product & Packaging Technologist-1 at Tiger Brands

You will be responsible for the successfully development of good quality, sustainable, and cost-effective products that are informed by a clear NPD brief. You will be expected to deliver on tasks on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier interface within the business/category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the NPD Manager to prioritize and drive projects to completion


WHAT YOU WILL DO:


Collaborate with suppliers to develop and source novel raw and packaging materials that are specifically suited for our technology
Play a strong role in external customer interface
Develop packaging specification and requirements
Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the product
Calculate NI's and GDA's and ensure back panel of packaging is correct
Determine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirements
Draw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D system
Conduct ambient and accelerated shelf life and travel tests
Send samples for micro testing and for independent lab testing to ensure claims can be met
Correct and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Raw Material Circulation form, Trial request, trial report etc.)
Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run online.
HACCP studies - communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processes
Interface strongly with Supply Chain to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projects
Identify opportunities for the substitution of new raw materials and packaging in current products
Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects and support procurement
Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.)


WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

Key attributes and competencies


Technical Knowledge - knowledge of the science behind developing a new product. Subject matter expertise required
Teamwork - ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally
Analytical and problem-solving skills; Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learnings
Decision Making: - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information received
Time management and organisational skills - ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projects
Communication: Ability to conduct presentations to external parties such as customers and suppliers


Experience


ND, BSc, BTech in Food Science, Food Technology Biochemistry or Chemistry and Packaging diploma
6 - 8 years' Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment
High Level of Computer Literacy


WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON


Time to deliver technical project
Successful execution of NPD Briefs
Number of new concepts adopted
Documentation management
Savings from Sustainability projects
Ability to plan and conduct competitor benchmarks