Job Description

The purpose of a Fresh Foods Trainee is to gain hands-on experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Quality Control, Regulatory & Compliance, and Technical Product Development. This role will get exposure to product testing, supplier audits, regulatory compliance, and the development of innovative food solutions within a fast-paced retail environment.Job Advert Details
Job Category Food Service
Job Objectives

• Support the Technical Team in ensuring food safety, quality, compliance, and product development by actively participating in various initiatives and projects.
• Adhere to organisational quality standards and protocols while performing quality assurance tasks under supervision.
• Align to project goals by actively participating in development discussions and team meetings focused on food safety and quality enhancements.
• Apply quality assurance principles and methodologies during product assessments and evaluations.
• Attend to quality documentation and assist in maintaining up-to-date records related to quality checks and technical processes.
• Comply with relevant industry regulations and organisational policies during all quality assurance activities.
• Assist in supplier food safety audits and monitoring processes to ensure compliance and adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct product testing, shelf-life evaluations, and verify specifications to ensure product quality and safety.
• Investigate discrepancies and non-conformities in products while reporting findings to senior team members.
• Ensure products meet legal and labeling requirements by conducting thorough reviews of regulatory documentation.
• Assist in technical product development, including sensory analysis, data analysis, and product innovation efforts.
• Gather data and feedback from product tests and evaluations to support decision-making processes.
• Maintain records, update reports, and support documentation to ensure smooth operations within the quality assurance function.
• Provide general administrative support to cross-functional teams, ensuring effective collaboration across departments.
• Research emerging trends in quality assurance and food safety to recommend innovative practices and technologies.
• Train in the use of relevant software and tools for quality assurance and technical development tasks.
• Utilise resources, including documentation and industry, best practices, to enhance personal knowledge and effectiveness in the role

• Degree or diploma in Consumer/Food Science or Food Technology and/or other relevant Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, and Culinary related or equivalent (essential).

• +2 years of experience in a similar role (Technical Specification / Quality Control)
• Experience in developing food products from inception through production to the launching stage, improving new and existing products (preferred).

• Exposure to Product Development experience in a foods FMCG manufacturing/production environment, preferably in fresh foods (preferred).
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) (essential) and familiarity with quality management software (preferred).

Shoprite Holdings