Duties and Responsibilities
Acting within the guidelines set by the MD, the R&D (Research and Development) Technologist is responsible for development of new sports nutrition products, research of new ingredients applicable to the field of sports nutrition and its successful application in final product, sourcing of new raw materials, evaluation of flavours and new raw materials, compiling nutritional information for labelling of products, and driving innovation in the R&D team. They must be creative yet analytical thinkers and have excellent leadership, communication and organization skills.
The duties and responsibilities of the R&D Technologist will include:
NEW PRODUCT DEVEOPMENT
- Interpret Client Brief and develop new products that satisfy the brief.
- Work with Procurement in the sourcing and approval of new raw materials.
- Execute shelf life and stability testing of new products.
- Compile nutritional reports of the developed product.
- Calculate theoretical and final costing of the new product.
- Check artwork of new products for compliance to R146 - Regulations Relating to the labelling and advertising of Foodstuffs before final approval.
- Create BOM's of new products for upload before production.
- Ensure system BOM's are current with the latest version of the product.
- Implement cost saving initiatives or other changes as requested by client.
- Find substitute ingredients or suppliers in the instance of material shortages.
- Review and maintain label and packaging specification updates.
- Maintain an up-to-date library of raw materials, both currently in use and potential future materials.
- Manage and maintain the lab samples in terms of age (expiry dates) and batches on hand.
- Continually source alternate raw materials for possible replacement if required.
- Oversee the blending and packing of the first run of a new product.
- Assist with the testing and approval of factory blends vs lab control samples.
- Assist with the investigation and issue corrective actions required to fix any failed batches.
- Investigate formulation changes that can address process issues on the filling line
- Effectively manage any BOM changes with the Inventory Controller
- Ensure TRELLO boards (project tracking board) are always updated and accurate.
- Ensure all project spreadsheets are always updated, detailed and accurate.
- Manage and maintain the R&D folder online.
- Create mixing instructions and batch cards for drinks to be sent to 3rd Party.
- Create and review Globepak product specification sheets with the QC Team.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Processing / Manufacturing or related field.
- Minimum 3 years work experience in food development, food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions.
- Minimum 3 years laboratory / bench top experience in a research food laboratory or product development environment.
- Minimum 3 years experience in use of laboratory analytical instrumentation, Lab Filtration system and scale equipment.
- Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
