PAC Advisors is a leading advisory firm with a wealth of experience and expertise in supporting African SMEs and Corporate Institutions. Our comprehensive range of integrated and innovative business advisory services includes strategic planning, human capital advisory, training and development, financial and accounting advisory, and more.

Job Purpose:

The RDA Technologist supports regional growth by managing applied research and innovation projects, focusing on beverage applications. Key duties include developing product-specific recipes, ensuring product stability and safety, managing raw materials, and documenting research results. The role involves hands-on lab work and collaboration with scientists to meet customer needs from concept to commercialization. A background in food science, product development, and teamwork is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Applications Projects:

• Lead end-to-end project management for applied research, technology, and innovation initiatives.
• Oversee sensory evaluation processes for beverages, utilizing various equipment and procedures under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to fulfill project needs from concept to commercialization, including troubleshooting.

New Product Application Recipe Development:

• Apply scientific principles to improve products beyond taste and enhance overall product performance.
• Reassess and refine existing application data to align with customer requirements.

Product & Raw Material Portfolio Management:

• Maintain a standardized stock of collection products and ensure the availability of raw materials and ingredients.

Ingredient Validation:

• Validate ingredient functionality in final products, ensuring they meet customer needs, product stability, and food safety standards through shelf-life studies.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Accurately document all project outcomes, testing results, and research notes in lab books and databases, adhering to established protocols.

Laboratory & Raw Material Management:

• Hands-on involvement in laboratory operations, including data analysis and maintenance of raw material stocks.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain exposure to product development, end-use market applications, and sensory evaluation processes.
• Develop expertise in new product application recipes and the full new product development cycle, from bench development to scale-up.
• Learn how the RDA team applies food science to address customer challenges.
• Enhance communication and collaboration skills across a diverse organization with varied cultures and geographical locations.
• Understand the application of food technology across multiple market segments.
• Hone laboratory skills and data analysis expertise.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Strong interest in ingredient knowledge and recipe formulation.
• Innovative thinker with a natural curiosity and ability to generate creative ideas.
• A self-motivated learner who is open to guidance from senior team members.
• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory, food plant, or related industry is preferred (internship experience considered).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly ambitious, with a passion for growth and a commitment to learning.
• Hands-on, proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
• Takes ownership and accountability for responsibilities.
• Thrives under pressure and enjoys meeting challenging deadlines.