Research and development Technologist

Recruiter:

Imforce Recruitment

Job Ref:

RD01

Date posted:

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Location:

Durban, South Africa

Salary:

Up to R20,000

SUMMARY:
The R&D Technologist will be responsible for developing and improving food products (related to fats and Oils) and processes within the manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:

The incumbent will work closely with sales, marketing, production, quality, and procurement teams to drive innovation, optimize formulations, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

This position is based in Mobeni, KZN.

Permanent Position

Working Hours: 07h30 - 16h30

Qualifications & Experience

Qualification in Food Tech/Biotech
FMCG, Food Experience
Food Safety, Legislation, Market Trends

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timely delivery of new and reformulated products to market.
Reduction in formulation cost and process non-conformances.
Compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
Successful completion of R&D trials and product validations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

Lead product innovation projects from concept design through to factory implementation in line with company strategy and customer requirements. Reformulate existing products to improve quality, cost efficiency, or nutritional value. Conduct Lab-scale and factory trials to validate formulations and processes. Support product enhancements related to sensory, stability, and shelf-life improvement. Engage New raw material & Packaging Suppliers.

Technical Support & Process Optimization

Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to troubleshoot process or formulation challenges. Translate lab-scale formulations to full-scale manufacturing efficiently. Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and SOPs. Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on process efficiency and sustainability. Customer visits, Sensory Evaluations. Matching customer specs

Documentation & Compliance

Ensure all R&D activities comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., FSSC 22000, HACCP, Codex). Maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documentation, including trial reports, formulations, and change control records. Liaise with suppliers and regulatory bodies to source and approve raw materials and ingredients

Research & Market Insight:

Conduct ingredient functionality studies, competitor benchmarking, and trend analysis. Identify innovative technologies and ingredients to enhance the product portfolio. Provide technical input for customer presentations and project briefs.

Similar jobs you might be interested in:

Research and development Technologist
Location: Durban
Salary: Annual
R&D technologist
72 days ago

Sales Representative
Location: Pinetown
Salary: 10000 Monthly
Westmead - Are you a driven, on-the-road sales professional looking to make your mark in a rapidly growing industry? Join an exciting new business venture backed by an established industry name and take full ownership of expanding a premium commercial kitchen equipment footprint across KwaZulu-Natal.
1 day ago

Engineer / Technologist (Transportation)
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Salary:
We are looking for a skilled civil engineering professional to join a dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. This permanent role offers the chance to contribute to impactful transportation and municipal infrastructure projects, working alongside senior technologists while gaining valuable design and site supervision experience. If you have 5–8 years’ postâgraduate expertise in geomet...
2 days ago

Mid-Tier Cybersecurity Engineer
Location: Durban
Salary: Negotiable upon shortlist
Mid-Tier Cybersecurity Engineer
2 days ago

Mid-Tier Cybersecurity Engineer
Location: Durban
Salary: Negotiable upon shortlist
Mid-Tier Cybersecurity Engineer
2 days ago

Key Accounts Manager
Location: Durban
Salary:
An established company based in La Mercy is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to maintain, grow, and develop key customer relationships within the FMCG sector while supporting sales objectives and budget achievement.
6 days ago

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Location: Durban
Salary: Market related
Assist clients in creating comprehensive financial plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.
12 days ago

360 Recruitment Consultant
Location: Durban
Salary: Market-related
360 Recruitment Consultant
12 days ago

Technical Sales Representative - Durban
Location: Pinetown
Salary: R18 000
Our client, a manufacturing-based company in Pinetown, is seeking a driven and dynamic Technical Sales Representative to join their team. This role is perfect for a professional with a strong background in technical industries. You’ll manage existing client relationships while aggressively pursuing new business opportunities in mining, agriculture, plant hire, engineering, manufacturing and ...
13 days ago

Business Analyst - Durban
Location: Durban
Salary: Monthly
DBN000305 – Business Analyst – Durban NorthPurpose of the job:To analyze, comprehend, and communicate business and client objectives into user stories and functional specifications for creating data applications that will satisfy market demands and the company's services is the main goal of the business analyst position. Required Qualifications:BCom (Information systems) or equiva...
14 days ago

Research and development Technologist

Duties & Responsibilities

Similar jobs you might be interested in:

Jobseekers

Recruiter

General