Lead Product & Packaging Technologist-1

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

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

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In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.