Cape Town: Technical Manager- Animal Nutrition posted by Deka Minas (Pty) Ltd

Please note this position is based in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia. All Relocation Costs will be covered.

The Technical Manager Animal Nutrition is responsible for overseeing the formulation, development, and quality control of animal feed products. This role requires a strong scientific foundation in animal nutrition and physiology combined with commercial acumen to optimize animal health and performance. The Technical Manager provides expert technical support to customers, internal teams, and sales representatives, while driving product innovation and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Development and Formulation

• Research and apply animal nutrition, metabolism, and physiology knowledge to develop balanced feed formulations for poultry, ruminants, aquaculture, and other livestock species.

• Evaluate and select raw materials based on nutritional value, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Use nutritional formulation software to create rations that maximize animal health, productivity, and efficiency.

• Continuously update formulations based on scientific research, market trends, and regulatory changes.

2. Quality Assurance and Technical Support

• Oversee quality assurance processes for raw materials and finished feed to ensure compliance with nutritional, quality, and safety standards.

• Provide technical support to customers, distributors, and the sales team, offering solutions to feed-related challenges.

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to product performance or nutrition issues.

• Deliver technical training sessions to sales teams and external stakeholders.

3. Research and Development

• Design, conduct, and analyze feeding trials and field studies to validate new products and feeding strategies.

• Translate research findings into practical applications and technical documentation for marketing and sales use.

• Collaborate with internal R&D teams and external institutions to advance innovation in animal nutrition.

4. Commercial and Market Strategy

• Partner with sales and marketing to define product positioning and support product launches.

• Monitor market dynamics and competitor activities to identify gaps and new opportunities.

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and key industry stakeholders.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Animal Science, Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, or related field.

• Masters or PhD in Animal Nutrition preferred.

Minimum Experience

• 510 years of experience in animal nutrition or the feed industry.

• Proven track record in feed formulation, product development, or technical-commercial roles.

• Specialized knowledge in poultry, ruminant, or aquaculture nutrition highly desirable.

Technical and Scientific Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of animal physiology, metabolism, and nutritional requirements.

• Expertise in feed formulation software and ingredient evaluation.

• Strong understanding of feed technology, processing, and mill operations.

• Familiarity with regional and international regulatory frameworks governing animal feed.

• Ability to analyze and interpret complex nutritional data.

Communication and Leadership Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong presentation skills for delivering training and engaging technical/non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, operations, and external partners.

• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address nutritional and technical challenges.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with regular visits to production facilities, customer sites, and farms.

• Travel required for customer support, technical training, and attendance at industry conferences/events.

• Flexibility to work in both laboratory and field environments.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in nutritional formulation software and data analysis tools.

• Strong commercial awareness and customer-oriented mindset.

• Willingness to travel extensively internationally as required.