Technical Account Manager

Technical Account Manager -
Paarl Western Cape

Job purpose: The Technical Account Manager (TAM) role, entails having direct contact with customers, mainly focused on all technically related topics with regards to the production and filling of final B2C products. This also includes support during production trials, filling and troubleshooting, both during and after production. Part of this role has to do with Technical Project Management (TPM). In this regard, the incumbent will be in close communication with the R&D- and Application Departments as central point of contact related to all technical concerns from customers. He/she can therefore be seen as the interface between Sales and Application, R&D and the BU’s regarding product selection for opportunities, as well as project control in respect of new developments and applications. The TPM function is therefore more system-related, also covering technical feasibility exercises/studies with respect to customer projects and keeping track of a project’s status, the project overview and timeline in close co-operation with the Key Account Managers.

Minimum requirements:
• BSc Food Science / ND in Food technology / BTech in Food technology / Production Technology or related qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ previous work experience in a product development / application / production position in the Food & Bev Industry.
• Project Management experience.
• Manufacturing processes & Product knowledge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer & numerical literacy (experience in SAP will be advantageous).
• Attention to detail.
• Tasting a variety of Food and Beverage types (including alcohol).

Main areas of responsibility will include:
• Processing projects in collaboration with Application & Sales and continuous project management.
• Giving support on recipe formulation and filling technology.
• Advising and supporting Sales in the selection of products and ensuring quality and timelines during the entire Development Order Process are met.
• Being technically an integral part of the team for all customer projects (LtO), thereby being responsible for project management and project controlling as well as checking product/raw material requests for technical feasibility.
• Driving product development activities along the different LtO-stages in close collaboration with Sales.
• Deliver suitable product solutions in line with the given requirements into LtO for customers. Depending on technical requests, potential/strategic aspects and our existing portfolio (AZURE), the following possibilities for execution (project types) form part of this: Assortment, Application, Development, Technical Development.
• Being the central point of contact for all technical concerns from the customers (technical call centre).
• Linking with customers for trials and approvals and taking part in customer visits.
• Ensuring an optimum exchange of information within the division and with the interfaces.
• Documenting efficient and effective processes in the company''s internal IT systems.
• Supporting selected customers in initial and sample filling processes in consultation with Sales.
• Advising customers on product and production-related problems.
• Compiling production guidelines and mixing recommendations at the customer''s request.
• In collaboration with the customer, defining technical recommendations of action following an appropriate analysis of the customer’s production challenges.
• Addressing technical problems in the production of B2C products at the customer’s premises.
• Providing support in case of complaints concerning issues in Production in collaboration with Quality.
• Data management.
• Reporting (Controlling).