New Product Developer

The Role

Pesto Princess wishes to employ an experienced New Product Developer who will drive and manage the development and costing of new products, existing product improvements and ongoing cost saving initiatives.

About Pesto Princess Foods

Pesto Princess manufactures fresh, preservative-free pesto sauces, soups,
cooking sauces & dips sold through retail chains and food distributors
nationwide. The factory is in a secure business park, South Peninsula, Cape
Town.

Core Responsibilities, Duties & Tasks

  • Manage multiple development projects from initial concept to launch.
  • Conduct factory trials, travel tests and first productions on new lines.
  • Evaluate samples and coordinate tastings and bench marking sessions.
  • Conduct shelf-life tests to validate product shelf stability.
  • Source suitable suppliers according to food safety, price, capacity, and
    terms.
  • Review technical supplier documentation on new suppliers / raw
    materials required in new developments.
  • Create and/or maintain raw material, packaging, in-process, and finished product specifications.
  • Create artwork briefs according to relevant legislation, check artwork and sign off print runs and online approval.
  • Solve production challenges relating to new or existing products.
  • Ensure product detail on internal evolution system, is captured
    accurately, and maintained.
  • Support production initiatives like process improvement projects to
    improve the manufacturing process of existing products.
  • Keep abreast of trends in food product development and food technology and share relevant.
  • Provide technical support to other departments: quality assurance,
    operations, procurement, and sales.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

  • You have a BSc/BTech/National Diploma in Food Science/Technology,
    or similar qualification.
  • You have 2–3 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
  • You’re experienced in Excel, Word and Sage Evolution or similar system.
  • You’re creative, innovative, solution-driven, and proactive.
  • You’re able to work in a fast paced, high-pressured environment, while still paying close attention to details.
  • You have excellent written & verbal communication skills.
  • Your ability to follow instructions & procedures is essential.
  • You’re passionate about environmental sustainability.
  • You care & have high integrity.

Company Culture

Caring is the central company value on our business journey. If you care about the customer, care about producing excellent work & care about the impact the business has on the environment, then this position is for you. Since we will also be caring for you, be prepared to do the extraordinary, and have your talents developed.

Apply for this Job

There are two steps to your application.

1. Write a one-page letter of motivation explaining why you are the best
candidate for this position.
2. Update your CV and send it to apply@pesto.co.za along with the letter
of motivation.

Closing Date

9h00 Wednesday 26 June 2024. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We reserve the right to re-advertise should we not find a suitable candidate.