QA Value Add, Food Scientist – Ready to Eat

This role will report directly to the QA Manager.
Responsible for implementing, maintaining, improving and standardising current product quality standards for Ready-to-eat products
This position will be responsible, but not limited to the following:
Implementing quality standards from raw material approval to final packing of ready-to-eat products
Assisting with system implementation and improvement functions, flow diagrams, hazard analysis, procedures, QC records
Conducts analytical testing of products.
Raw material sourcing, approval, and testing
Accelerated and real time-shelf-life studies of product/s.
Liaising with suppliers in relevant quality issues
Assists in ensuring legislative compliance
Supports cross functional team and manage product cost cutting, sensory evaluation, and reformulation and improvement of current products.
Assisting in training a DSE panel. Panel leader in consumer tests and trails.
Agent for continuous improvement, drives results and assist in problem solving/root cause investigations of production problems.
Ensuring the required quality, safety, hygiene and environmental standards are implemented, maintained and improved.
Ensuring hygiene standards, cleaning procedures, practices and equipment are continually re-evaluated and in line with best practice, customer guidelines and legislation.
Ensuring cleaning procedures in food manufacturing areas are maintained and correct use of cleaning materials (from handling, to storage and documentation).

Requirements and experience:
Degree in Food Science
Ingredient/equipment sourcing, approval, procurement, product costing, product development preferred
HACCP and Food Safety Legislation knowledge
Good Interpersonal Relationships and Strong Communication Skills
Must be self-motivated, disciplined, ethical and confident
Excellent Organisational and Work Planning Skills
Attention to Detail and Results Driven
Computer literacy, Word, Microsoft, etc.
A minimum of 5 years relevant experience
Production environment with time pressure where a person needs to be able to deliver accurate results fast and be able to perform under pressure.
Needs to have a valid drivers license and own vehicle.
Continuous change person needs to be agile and adapt quickly.

Salary - +- R600 000pa CTC