Food Scientist / Production Manager

Job Title: Food Scientist / Production Manager – Distillery Industry

Location: Sandton

Production Management

Oversee and manage all stages of the distillation and production process (fermentation, distillation, blending, filtration, maturation, and bottling).

Plan and schedule production in line with quality standards, safety regulations, and output targets.

Supervise production staff, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and efficient workflow.

Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime.

Control raw material usage, yield, and wastage to maintain production efficiency and cost targets.

Food Science & Quality Control

Apply food science and chemistry principles to develop and optimize distillation formulas, fermentation processes, and flavor profiles.

Conduct regular testing of raw materials, intermediates, and final products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.).

Manage sensory evaluations and ensure consistency in taste, aroma, and product characteristics.

Investigate and resolve production or quality deviations, implementing corrective and preventive actions.

Work closely with laboratories to ensure analytical accuracy and quality documentation

Product Development & Innovation

Collaborate with R&D teams to create new products, flavor blends, or process improvements.

Research and apply new distillation or fermentation technologies to enhance product quality and production efficiency.

Support brand development through technical input on recipes, ingredients, and processing techniques.

Compliance, Safety & Sustainability

Ensure full compliance with local food safety, health, and environmental regulations (including excise and licensing laws).

Enforce hygiene, sanitation, and occupational health and safety practices throughout the plant.

Drive sustainability initiatives such as water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Reporting & Administration

Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production and quality reports for management.

Manage production budgets, cost control, and inventory planning.

Participate in audits, supplier evaluations, and continuous improvement programs (Lean, 5S, etc.)

Qualifications & Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or related field (Master’s preferred for senior roles).

Experience in fermentation/distillation processes is a plus.

Strong lab skills, analytical instruments experience.

Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory environments.

Good problem-solving, communication, teamwork.