Hoedspruit: Research & Product Development Specialist posted by Scarlet Recruitment

Research and Product Development (R&D) Specialist with a background in Food Technology. (Limpopo area) Drive new product development from idea generation to commercialisation. Conduct research on fruit varieties, preservation methods, processing techniques, and shelf-life improvement. Develop value-added fruit products (e.g., dried fruit, juices, purees, snacks). Ensure compliance with food safety standards, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with suppliers, production, and marketing to ensure product viability. Analyse market trends and customer feedback to improve and innovate product lines. Analyse packaging trends.Candidate must have a Bachelors Degree or higher in Food Technology, Food Science to apply for this position. Minimum 23 years experience in R&D, preferably in the fruit or beverage sector. Strong knowledge of food formulation, sensory evaluation, and processing technologies. Familiarity with quality control, lab testing, and product stability protocols. Passion for tropical fruits and sustainable product innovation. Admin duties will include:Assist the GM with procurement, logistics and ordering of raw materials and goods across existing and new product development lines. Capture data relating to receiving, processing, packing, and purchase orders (POs) on the inventory system. Support month-end stock counts and ensure accurate capturing on the inventory system.