Junior Food Technologist | Gauteng | Contract

Build practical food technology experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment where product ideas move from concept through testing and into production. This is an opportunity for an emerging Food Technologist to develop technical capability across product development, formulation, food safety and factory trials.

The Junior Food Technologist will support the New Product Development function across the product development lifecycle. Working closely with production, quality and other teams, the role will assist with formulation development, raw material evaluation, product testing, sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, nutritional calculations and production trials.

You will also contribute to product specifications, artwork and labelling reviews, regulatory compliance, market and competitor research, troubleshooting and corrective action activities. The role offers exposure to both the technical and commercial considerations involved in developing and maintaining food products within a manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will join a food manufacturing operation focused on consistent product quality, customer satisfaction and robust food safety standards. The environment is hands-on and factory-based, requiring someone who is dependable, detail-oriented and comfortable spending extended periods on their feet in a warehouse and production environment.

What You'll Do

• Assist with new product development projects from concept through trial and implementation.

• Support the development and modification of food product formulations.

• Assist with sourcing and evaluating new raw materials.

• Support nutritional calculations and product analysis.

• Participate in factory scale-up activities and production trials.

• Assist with troubleshooting and product development problem-solving.

• Support artwork review and approval processes.

• Conduct and assist with sensory evaluations and taste-testing sessions.

• Support shelf-life studies and extension initiatives.

• Assist with product listing information for the sales team.

• Create and maintain product specifications under supervision.

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis.

• Participate in investigations and corrective action processes when required.

• Support food safety and quality management activities.

• Assist with label information development and verification against regulatory requirements.

• Assist with consumer queries and product-related feedback.

• Maintain product samples, laboratory records and laboratory organisation.

• Support the maintenance of food safety systems and FSSC-related requirements.

• Participate in continuous risk assessment and comply with health and safety requirements.

What You Bring

• A diploma or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related field.

• A genuine interest in food product development and manufacturing.

• Understanding of food safety, quality and product development principles.

• HACCP or food safety certification will be advantageous.

• Ability to work collaboratively with production, quality, NPD and other teams.

• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.

• Good analytical and problem-solving ability.

• Willingness to learn and develop through practical work experience.

• A reliable and disciplined approach to attendance, punctuality and work commitments.

• A positive, composed and professional attitude.

• Ability to work in a warehouse and factory environment.

• Physical stamina for extended periods of standing and hands-on work.

• Willingness to perform reasonable duties beyond the immediate scope of the role when required.

What Success Looks Like

• NPD projects are supported accurately and efficiently.

• Product formulations, specifications and development records are maintained correctly.

• Factory trials and product testing are conducted in accordance with required processes.

• Sensory and shelf-life evaluations are completed accurately.

• Product and regulatory information is captured and verified appropriately.

• Food safety and quality standards are consistently upheld.

• Product development issues are identified, investigated and escalated appropriately.

• Laboratory records, samples and work areas remain organised and controlled.

• Cross-functional teams receive reliable technical support.

• The successful candidate demonstrates strong learning agility, reliability, teamwork and attention to detail.