Website Westfalia Fruit
Westfalia Technological Services (WTS) is the research division of Westfalia Fruit and the largest privately-funded subtropical fruit research organisation in the world. The in-house dedicated team of scientists and technicians at WTS focusses on varietal development, innovation and environmental ma… read moretters​. ​​We research and develop​ was founded in the 1980s and still operates on founder Dr Merensky’s principle of 'research, experimentation and demonstration through the correlation of scientific knowledge’. Over the years, WTS has evolved and is now seen as a world leader in applied research dealing with ​subtropical crops, with specific focus on avocados. ​WTS supports and furthers the objectives of the greater Westfalia Group, addressing challenges and enhancing technologies in order to strengthen all links in the value chain, from propagation to consumer service.​ WTS is involved in the testing and commercialisation of avocado and mango plant material in more than 20 ​countries, in collaboration with various organisations and educational institutions.
Purpose of the role:
The successful incumbent will lead all research, product development, and technical optimization activities for fresh and processed guacamole products across local and export markets. The role is responsible for delivering commercially viable new products, improving and cost-optimizing existing formulations, and ensuring successful, on-time product launches. Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Quality, and retail customers, the incumbent ensures products meet regulatory, technical, and customer requirements. As custodian of all product recipes and specifications, the role safeguards formulation integrity, compliance, and competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities: Product Innovation & Commercialization (NPD)
Lead product development from concept brief to factory launch, including formulation, pilot trials, and scale-up validation
Conduct shelf-life studies (microbiological, sensory, and stability) for local chilled and extended export supply chains
Deliver commercially viable products that meet customer specifications, margin targets, and operational capability
Product Optimization & Continuous Improvement (EPD)
Reformulate existing SKUs to improve cost efficiency, avocado yield, and raw material utilization
Enhance product stability (color retention, texture consistency, flavor profile) and reduce complaints
Drive clean-label improvements, sodium reduction, and retailer-driven product upgrades
Technical Compliance & Export Governance
Support customer technical approvals, audits, and regulatory submissions
Maintain complete product documentation including specifications, allergen declarations, and validation reports
Support customer technical approvals, audits, and regulatory submissions
Process & Technical Excellence
Optimize processing parameters (oxygen control, acidification, HPP/MAP where applicable) to maximize shelf-life and consistency
Lead factory trials and troubleshoot products or process deviations
Collaborate with Operations and QA to validate CCPs, shelf-life extensions, and quality improvements
Customer & Cross-Functional Leadership
Act as primary technical contact for major customers and key accounts
Manage and develop the R&D team using structured stage-gate project management
Align R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Operations to deliver projects on time and within budget
Education:
BSc in Food Science or Consumer Science essential
Post-graduate NPD or formulation training advantageous
Experience:
Proven food product development and commercialization experience, ideally in fresh or high-care categories
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and factory scale-up
Experience with food labelling laws, accreditation standards, packaging, and customer liaison
R&D team management experience with HSE knowledge; high-risk food exposure
Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, acidification, and shelf-life validation
Sound understanding of local and export food legislation, labeling requirements, and certification standards
Ability to translate formulations into scalable manufacturing processes
Competence in stage-gate project management, cost modeling, margin management, and data-driven decision-making
Strong cross-functional leadership, customer-facing communication ability, problem-solving skills, and team development capability
Behavioural Competencies:
Commercially Minded & Results Driven
Ownership & Accountability
Collaborative & Influential
Innovative & Solution Oriented
Resilient & Detail Focused
Apply via company website ( http://www.westfaliafruit.com ) or
www.linkedin.com