Technical Developer - Fresh Foods

Shoprite Group of Companies · Cape Town, Western Cape

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About the role

Enable the successful development, launch, and ongoing performance of Fresh Foods products by embedding strong food safety, quality, and technical principles across the end-to-end product lifecycle.
The role partners with Product Development, Commercial, Operations, and suppliers to assess product feasibility, recipes, ingredients, processing methods, packaging, shelf life, and specifications, ensuring products are safe, compliant, scalable, commercially viable, and aligned to customer expectations while identifying technical risks early and recommending practical solutions to support successful scale-up and launch.

What you'll do

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Ensure Fresh Foods products comply with applicable food safety legislation, labelling requirements, internal quality standards, and agreed product specifications.
Conduct and maintain technical, QA, and food safety assessments during development, testing, approval, and pre-launch stages.
Provide guidance on HACCP, GMP, hygiene, allergen management, traceability, and related controls to support consistent product safety and quality.

Supplier & Manufacturer Engagement

Engage suppliers and manufacturers during development, testing, sourcing, onboarding, and product approval activities.
Review technical documentation, specifications, validation data, and supplier capability to confirm alignment with product, category, and regulatory requirements.
Support supplier-related problem solving by resolving quality, technical, or production challenges that may affect product launch or ongoing performance.

Quality Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement

Investigate product quality, safety, or technical issues and recommend corrective actions that reduce risk and support sustainable resolution.
Use QA and technical insights to inform prioritisation, decision-making, risk management, and continuous improvement across Fresh Foods products and processes.

What you bring

Qualifications and experience

Bachelor's degree in Consumer/Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field will be beneficial.
Good understanding of food safety regulations, quality standards, and industry best practices.
2-4 years' relevant experience in food technology, quality assurance, product development, or a Fresh Foods manufacturing environment, with exposure to product testing, specifications, food safety, and supplier or factory engagement.
Quality control or assurance within the food industry, preferably in fresh foods or perishable products.
Factory experience is non-negotiable.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

Closing Date