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: Up to R20,000
The R&D Technologist will be responsible for developing and improving food products (related to fats and Oils) and processes within the manufacturing environment.
2 days ago

Head of Division: Business Development
Location: Durban
Salary:
Today

Partnerships Assistant â Ballito
Location: Durban
Salary:
Partnerships Assistant – BallitoOur client is seeking a driven Partnerships Assistant to support the Partnerships Manager with member engagement, business development, and operational coordination.
8 days ago

Senior Electronic Engineer (R&D)
Location: Durban
Salary: Market Related
This is a true senior-level opportunity. You must be able to design, develop, debug and take products through to production without supervision.
15 days ago

Senior R&D Electronic Engineer - Durban
Location: Durban
Salary: R900 000 - R1 020 000 pa ctc
A well-established and respected technology-driven manufacturing organisation is expanding its R&D capability and is seeking two experienced Senior R&D Engineers to join their Durban-based team.
16 days ago

National Educator - KZN
Location: Durban
Salary:
19 days ago

Sales Representative - High End Home - Durban
Location: Durban
Salary:
22 days ago

Senior Consultant
Location: Durban
Salary: Market-related
Economic development Shape the future of manufacturing in Africa by translating industrial strategy into measurable economic impact across macro, meso, and micro levels. City of Cape Town or Durban (Hybrid)
23 days ago

Business Development Executive
Location: Durban
Salary: R30 000 Monthly
A rapidly expanding, high-performance express logistics company in the greater West Durban region is looking for a fearless, target-driven Business development Consultant who knows how to open doors, close deals, and build lasting client relationships.If you’re a natural hunter with a passion for winning new business and turning opportunities into revenue, this is your chance to join a compa...
25 days ago

Graphic Designer
Location: Durban
Salary:
We’re looking for a skilled Graphic Designer to join a branding and communication agency based in Kloof, Durban.
29 days ago