Overview
New Product Development Technologist Jobs in KwaZulu-Natal at Cedar Wood Recruitment
I am currently recruiting for a New Product Development Technologist for a Dairy Farm in KZN Midlands
This is a Junior Management role reporting to the New Product Development (NPD) Manager
Context/Scope:
The primary focus of this role will be to assist the NPD Manager in making my client a leader in Innovation through assisting with new product, packaging and formulation development from research of ideas and idea generation to launch of the product. Their vision is to be the most Trusted, Respected and Innovative Dairy in South Africa.
Dimensions:
a) Financial – NPD is a key component of my client’s growth and helps to drive their leadership position. Assist the NPD Manager with costings of the new/renovated products, which involves obtaining costs from suppliers (with the support of procurement team) and financial team.
b) Market Complexity A good understanding of the customers’ business and what is important in
the business, e.g., quality, price, delivery times, speed to market, dependability.
Knowledge of the organisation and activity of the clients to anticipate their needs, living the Farms vision to be the most trusted, respected and innovative dairy in South Africa.
Support the NPD Manager in driving NPD opportunities and presenting to customers.
Being the leading House Brand packer of Dairy in South Africa. My client’s reputation with their customers is how they have managed to maintain consistent growth. This reputation is impacted heavily by NPD through the way the projects are managed, the speed of response, the style of management required, etc.
c) Leadership and Functional Responsibilities
Leadership
Strong inter-departmental interaction to lead the development of new products through the factory from concept to launch.
Functional
Assist with the completion of the 4P document for Woolworths and other key accounts.
Formulating recipes/products for presentation in conjunction with technical team.
Building product specifications.
Desk research and concept development.
Conduct consumer research where required.
Assisting the NPD Manager with the coordination of various NPD projects.
Develop new products specific to the requirements of our customers.
Execute exploratory development of new product ideas.
Manage documentation relating to but not limited to trials and product development going through the factory/ kitchen.
Filter down information related to NPD to relevant departments within the organisation.
Technical support to customers.
Planning and co-ordinating factory trials, including procurement of ingredients for factory trials.
Briefing suppliers (fruit preps, stabilisers, etc.).
Working closely with suppliers on new developments.
Recipe formulation and development on new and existing products.
Overseeing the Product Developer and offering guidance as needed.
Assist the NPD manager on tasting/feedback sessions with customers.
Assist the Product developer on sensory shelf life tasting.
Purchasing market samples/new products on the market.
Work on multiple projects on simultaneously.
Assist in coordinating catering requirements for meetings/audits.
Purpose of Role In conjunction with the NPD Manager, position my client as the most Innovative
Dairy Farm in South Africa
Qualifications and Experience Required
Qualification in one of the following, or similar, is required: Food Technology; Food Science, Consumer Science.
Incumbent would need to be passionate about food (i.e., Foodie)
Possible experience would include food technologist, project management; product development; research and development.
Experience in an FMCG environment is advantageous.
At least 3 years’ experience is required, with exposure to food technology and research & development.
Computer literacy: Excel/Word/Power Point and MS Project.
Barriers to Success in Role
Inability/poor communication to customers and internal staff.
Lack of creativity and passion for the role and the business.
No urgency or inability to meet deadlines.
Lack of food technology knowledge
Not a team player.
Operational Working
Conditions
Based at head office in the heart of the beautiful KZN Midlands in the innovation centre.
Travel to customers as required, in support of the NPD manager.
Own transport is a prerequisite.
To apply, forward comprehensive CV and proof of qualifications to [email protected]
If you don’t get feedback within 14 days, please regard your CV as not shortlisted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From R25Â 000,00 per month
Work Location: In person
Application Deadline: 2025/04/14
Title: New Product Development Technologist
Company: Cedar Wood Recruitment
Location: KwaZulu-Natal
