Food Scientist ​/ Technologist

Food Scientist / Technologist

An established FSSC-certified food and beverage manufacturer is seeking a proactive and technically strong Food Scientist / Food Technologist to join its FSQA team in Riebeeksriver, Malmesbury. This is a hands‑on role supporting the Food Safety Team Leader, with a particular focus on quality control, product development, training, research and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a natural go‑getter who takes initiative, investigates issues independently, challenges anything that appears out of place, and follows improvements through to successful implementation. The successful candidate will contribute across QA/QC and New Product Development (NPD) while operating within the company's FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System.

• Food Safety & Quality Management:
  Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System.
• Maintain HACCP plans, hazard analyses, CCPs, OPRPs and verification records.
• Ensure effective implementation of GMP, hygiene, allergen management, sanitation, pest control and other PRPs.
• Support TACCP and VACCP assessments.
• Conduct internal audits, identify non-conformances and ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out.

• Quality Control & Product Release:
  Perform and oversee QC testing of raw materials, in-process samples and finished products.
• Conduct and interpret physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory testing.
• Verify process parameters and finished‑product release criteria.
• Manage CoAs, retention samples, deviations and out‑of‑specification results.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and packaging and approve, reject or place products on hold where necessary.
• Maintain and verify QC and measuring equipment.

• New Product Development & Research:
  Develop, reformulate and improve products from initial concept through to commercialisation.
• Conduct bench‑top trials, pilot runs and factory‑scale validations.
• Research and evaluate new ingredients, raw materials, processes and product opportunities.
• Conduct shelf‑life, stability, compatibility and sensory trials.
• Maintain formulations, recipes, process specifications and technical data sheets.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, improved yields and production efficiencies without compromising quality or food safety.

• Regulatory Compliance & Specifications:
  Maintain raw material and finished‑product specifications.
• Conduct nutritional analysis and support compliant product labelling and claims.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African food legislation, including the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and applicable regulations.
• Stay informed of regulatory, customer and industry requirements.

• Investigations & Continuous Improvement:
  Investigate quality deviations, customer complaints, OOS results and non‑conforming products.
• Conduct structured Root Cause Analysis and implement CAPAs.
• Monitor trends and proactively identify potential quality or food safety risks.
• Conduct traceability and mock‑recall exercises.
• Drive improvements through research, investigation, training and implementation.

• Training, Documentation & Audits:
  Maintain accurate, audit‑ready FSQA documentation and records.
• Assist with certification, customer and regulatory audits.
• Train and coach production and QC employees on food safety, hygiene and quality requirements.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the operation.

• National Diploma, BSc or BTech in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• 3–6 years relevant experience within a food and beverage manufacturing environment, ideally across QA/QC and/or NPD.
• Sound knowledge of FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, allergen management, sanitation, traceability and recalls.
• Working knowledge of South African food legislation.
• Completed HACCP training.
• Internal Auditor training in ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 would be advantageous.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, nutritional analysis and product labelling would be advantageous.
• SAAFoST registration or eligibility for professional registration would be beneficial.
• Strong Microsoft…