Available position

Junior Food Technologist- Fixed Term Contract*

About Pesto Princess Foods

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

Overview of the Role

You will support the Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) in all aspects of the Pesto Princess Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSMS). Regular duties include updating technical documentation, conducting hands-on technical checks, and ensuring quality control on the factory floor. You will verify that procedures are being followed, documents are completed, equipment and coolers are in good working order and of high quality, and hygiene standards are maintained.

Shifts include weekends, with overtime during busy periods.

*Please note that this is a 1-year contract.  

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, monitor, update and report adherence to the Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (FSMS) in accordance with instructions from the QAM.
• Assist the QAM in improving the Food Safety Management System.
• Keep QAM informed and updated on food safety & quality-related issues on the production floor.
• Support continuous improvement of the Quality Assurance & FSMS while striving to ensure correct procedures are followed consistently.
• Ensure Technical documentation is generated, maintained, and updated
• Conduct Production and Processing Control audits, monitor and verify yields and waste for selected products as required.
• Conduct regular hands-on training and instill a Food Safety Culture
• Manage non-conformances and customer care, investigate root cause/s, ensure corrective actions are implemented and verify the implementation of the corrective actions.

Skills & Experience

• You have a Consumer Science, Food and Nutrition qualification or equivalent. Copies of qualifications must be submitted with the CV.
• Minimum 0-1 years relevant industry experience.
• You pay attention to detail, are systematic, meticulous, action-focused, and good at problem-solving.
• You communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• You embrace food safety as a culture, not just a system.
• You are hands-on and interact well with others, influencing them to support and follow best practices, standards, policies, and procedures.
• You are passionate about environmental sustainability.
• You care and have integrity.

Working Environment

You will spend time on the factory floor, wearing protective clothing as per food safety requirements, as well as being office-based.

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 Friday 30 January 2026. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.