HEAD OF TECHNICAL | WET CONDIMENTS
– Libstar /Cape Town/Johannesburg/Montagu
home > head of technical | wet condiments – libstar /cape town/johannesburg/montagu
HEAD OF TECHNICAL | WET CONDIMENTS – Libstar /Cape Town/Johannesburg/Montagu
Reporting to: Category Head of Wet Condiments
Location: Cape Town/Johannesburg/Montagu
The Wet Condiments Cluster is part of the Libstar Ambient Products Category, with business sites located in Montagu, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. We operate within a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive work environment. As part of the broader Libstar team, our goal is to grow our food brands and category solutions in a sustainable and profitable manner. We prioritize building strong relationships with our customers and aim to be South Africa’s leading producer and distributor of high quality products and brands.
Purpose of the role
The Head of Technical will oversee the technical operations within the category, quality assurance, and manufacturing excellence. This role will be responsible for ensuring that the organization’s technical operations, including process improvements, and quality control, align with the company’s goals for growth, safety, and compliance. The Head of Technical will lead a team of technical professionals, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and ensure the delivery of high-quality products to meet customer expectations.
Position Responsibilities
Lead, motivate, and develop the technical team, setting clear goals, providing guidance, and ensuring high performance.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and professional growth within the team.
Execute the performance and potential process, conduct regular reviews, and provide ongoing feedback to ensure optimal performance.
Understand the Foods safety and quality management system and ensure proper implementation and maintenance thereof at site level.
Continuously improve the food safety documented traceability system for the site to ensure proper due diligence.
Drive a food safety culture across the business.
Adhere to all relevant legislation and ensure all final product label information meet legislative requirements.
Ensure all site certifications are maintained at the appropriate standards.
Ensure that all products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards, including local and international food safety certifications.
Oversee the implementation and maintenance of robust quality control systems across all stages of production.
Set up and adherence to training plan that aligns to requirements of quality / food safety management system.
Continuously review and update site allergen management programs as part of risk management
Ensure timeous close off NCR’s relevant to the Technical Department, including identification of repeating total NCR trends to drive continuous improvement.
Promote a culture of quality and food safety management within the site.
Manage the budgets and vendors pertaining to the technical department.
Manage strategic planning of departmental goals.
Manage customer complaints within targets.
Seek to continuously improve customer relationships through closely working with the internal and external customer.
Liaise with NPD department during product development to approve developmental technical processes.
Lead all third party/ customer audits for the site and facilitate closing of corrective actions.
Conduct and participate in supplier audits.
Sign off all new raw materials and packaging for new product development purposes.
Ensure all raw material approved is within specification, including approval of raw materials from alternate suppliers.
Liaise and provide service rating for all external service providers at site level.
Monthly technical reports.
Champion sustainability initiatives within the technical team, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes and product packaging.
Identify and implement sustainable sourcing practices, including responsible sourcing of raw materials and ingredients.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and drive efforts to improve sustainability in product development and manufacturing.
Key Competencies and Abilities
Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate data and make informed decisions.
Leadership skills with a focus on team development and performance management.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and changing environment.
Strong ethical standards and integrity.
Results-driven, with a focus on delivering value and achieving business goals.
Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
In-depth understanding of food product development, formulation, and technical production processes.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Strong commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
Innovative, with a passion for driving product excellence and staying ahead of market trends.
Strategic thinker with the ability to turn ideas into tangible results.
Adaptable, with the ability to navigate changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
Qualifications and Experience:
A Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related field
Extensive experience in the food FMCG industry, with at least 8-10 years in technical leadership roles.
Proven track record in product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance within food production.
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g. FSSC22000), quality control standards, and industry certifications.
Experience in managing cross-functional teams and leading innovation in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of sustainability practices within food production and packaging.
Valid drivers license and own transport.
Willing to travel as required.
Application:
Please e-mail your CV to recruitment@libstar.co.za; with a motivation highlighting why you should be considered for the position.
Application deadline: 12 March 2025
If you have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date for applications, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
Note: To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.
To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/.
Please note that you may on occasion be required to perform tasks that are not part of your normal daily duties, but may be necessary due to the operational requirements of the Company.
Producer and distributor of quality products and brands
for the consumer packaged goods industry in South Africa and internationally.
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