Application Developer jobs

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Responsible for the hands-on development of new products for key retail, QSR and export clients such as Woolworths, Spinneys, McDonald’s, KFC, as well as Fresh To Go’s own brands in the "Prepared Vegetables" category. You’ll bring concepts to life, collaborate across departments, and ensure products are commercially viable, production-ready, and aligned with client briefs and expectations.

You’ll be based at FTG’s Kempton Park high-care facility and will liaise closely with FTG head Office in Cape Town as well as with our Southern Cape Veggies team in Mossel Bay together with all other affiliate companies locally and abroad. Travel to our farms and facilities around the country will be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project and Brief Management

· Receive, interpret and scope internal and external product briefs together with PDM

· Create and manage accurate CPAs, involving internal and external parties where necessary

· Scope projects with internal departments for alignment

· Manage all NPD documentation on the FTG internal network

· Mentor and manage the Product Development Assistant role

Concept and Kitchen Development

· Develop concept recipes and samples for internal and customer reviews

· Source ingredients, packaging and prepare recipes for preliminary costings

· Present concepts internally and externally

· Manage the concept sampling and presentation process: correctly dated and traceable products

· Refine product recipes and BOMs

· Document each phase clearly and accurately and manage feedback / communication to translate across to 4P sign-off

4P Sign-Off

· Prepare all documentation and samples for 4P sign-off

· Manage the 4P sampling and presentation process: correctly dated and traceable products

· Prepare packaging artwork briefs with Woolworths on FPI and all other clients through their specific channels

· Manage the feedback / communication of the 4P sign-off to translate it to factory trials

Factory Trials and Pre-Production

· Execute the factory trials of signed off products: liaise with the production, technical and procurement teams

· Manage the feedback / communication of the factory trials to translate it to pre-production

· Engage in the specification and quality contract process with Woolworths on FPI and all other clients through their specific channels

· Liaise with the relevant key personnel to ensure all ingredients, raw materials, equipment and packaging is ordered in time for pre-production and product launch

· Ensure that ingredient, packaging and equipment sourcing aligns with launch readiness

Post-Launch Implementation Review (PIR)

· Engage with the relevant key personnel to compile the required information to present a post launch implementation review internally (FTG) and to clients

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

· Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Consumer Science or the Culinary Arts

· 3-5 years product development experience in Fresh Foods (Prepared Veg category experience is a plus)

· Exposure to retail development processes is essential

· Advantageous: Procurement, Technical or Commercial experience

KEY COMPETENCIES

· Confident and timeous communicator - both written and verbal

· Commitment to building strong customer and internal relationships

· Strong attention to detail with practical problem-solving skills

· A team player who takes accountability

· The ability to take initiative and work independently

· Resilient, flexible and deeply customer-focused

· Calm under pressure, strong follow-through, solution-orientated

· Familiarity with food safety, quality systems, and factory operational environments

· Be passionate about building a long term career within the FTG group

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Graduate

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• Product Development: 4 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Location:

• Kempton Park, Gauteng 1619 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/12/09