Packaging Technologist

At RCL FOODS, we are driven by a purpose that goes beyond business. Our commitment to "We grow what matters" reflects our dedication to nourishing lives, communities, and the future.
As a leading player in the Food Manufacturing industry, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and making a positive impact.

We have a 12-month fixed-term opportunity available within our Packaging R&D team for the role of R&D Packaging Technologist: Milling & Baking.

With our new RCL purpose of We Grow What Matters, the key purpose of this role is to elevate the pivotal role that packaging plays specifically within our Milling & Baking and Pies Food business. More specifically, this role is responsible for the delivery of the R&D Packaging program and ensure execution of Milling & Baking and Pies Food Innovation and Renovation program for both the retail and QSR business. Develop and implement roadmaps on Responsible Packaging as a key part of waste reduction in the RCL Sustainability Strategy. Identification and execution of saving projects delivering to the Value Engineering Program. Execute the resilience program on alternative packaging materials in partnership with the Sourcing and Procurement functions. Provide support to Supply Chain within the business units ensuring high quality packaging design and execution e.g. quality and/or factory efficiency projects.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc or Diploma in Sciences
• Packaging Diploma and NQF 5 in Project Management.
• A minimum of 3 years experience within R&D.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Proven track record within the Packaging Industry.

Duties & Responsibilities
Deliver the Milling & Baking Packaging Innovation and Technology Program

• Working in collaboration with Marketing, Consumer insight and customer teams as well as the group R&D team, deliver the Milling and Pies Food Packaging program.
• Build strategic partnerships with relevant packaging suppliers, academia government and innovation agencies to input into the R&D packaging technology program.
• Be a subject matter expert on category specific packaging materials, formats, equipment and processes. This includes Milling, Baking formats and technologies

Innovation Delivery: Short, Medium and Long Term

• Deliver the Key valuable Innovation and Renovation program for Milling & Baking in partnership with Marketing and Customer teams.
• Collaborate with OUs to deliver best in class packaging practices

Delivery the R&D Packaging Value Engineering Program (VEP)

• Leads the Identifying and implementation of cost reduction opportunities within Packaging based on the outcome of a spend analysis by key packaging type/technology for Milling & Baking.
• Develops and implements innovative Packaging strategies and programs that result in continuous cost/price reductions in partnership with Sourcing and SC.