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Rich, aromatic Carmién tea leaves handcrafted for authentic South African herbal tea experience, providing health benefits and unique flavours.
Bulk Rooibos
Rich, aromatic Carmién tea leaves handcrafted for authentic South African herbal tea experience, providing health benefits and unique flavours.

Raw Materials Technologist (FMCG)

Position: Raw Materials Technologist (FMCG)

Location: Citrusdal, Western Cape, South Africa (On-site)

Commencement date: ASAP

 

About Us:

Our company is a rooibos export and marketing company, known for a wide and innovative range of value-added rooibos products, directly linked to our farms and the people working the fields and managing the quality of product we are producing. We are currently seeking a proficient and driven Raw Materials Technologist (FMCG) to join our team and play a pivotal role in our ongoing success.

 

Job Description:

The Raw Materials Technologist (FMCG) is responsible for the sourcing, procurement coordination, specification control, quality verification, and operational readiness of all raw materials and packaging materials used within our Rooibos and herbal tea manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will work closely with Product Development, Suppliers, Quality Assurance, Operations, Production, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure that all materials entering production comply with approved specifications, are available according to operational requirements, and support efficient production and packing processes.

The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented, process-driven, and comfortable working within a fast-paced environment requiring strong planning, organisation, and cross-functional coordination.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Raw Material & Packaging Procurement Coordination

  • Coordinate the sourcing and procurement of all raw materials and packaging materials required for production.
  • This includes ingredients (flavours, herbal infusions, functional additives) and packaging components (tea bags, cartons, labels, pouches, wrappers, and related packaging materials).
  • Liaise with approved suppliers to ensure timely delivery and continuity of supply.
  • Communicate and enforce raw material and packaging specifications with suppliers.
  • Monitor supplier performance, lead times, and supply risks.
  • Identify and escalate potential shortages or supply disruptions.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships and support supplier development where required.

 

Raw Material Specification & Technical Control

  • Maintain approved specifications for all raw materials and packaging materials in line with Product Development and Brand requirements.
  • Ensure all incoming materials comply with defined quality, physical, and functional specifications.
  • Verify key ingredient attributes such as particle size, moisture content, aroma, colour, cut, and blend compatibility.
  • Verify packaging specifications including print accuracy, material integrity, fit-for-purpose use, and product protection requirements.
  • Work with suppliers to resolve specification deviations and non-conformances.
  • Support Product Development in translating formulations into raw material and packaging requirements.
  • Ensure full traceability and documentation of all materials entering production.

 

Incoming Quality Control & Compliance

  • Conduct incoming inspections and quality checks for raw materials and packaging materials.
  • Ensure compliance with internal quality systems, food safety standards, and operational procedures.
  • Manage non-conforming materials, supplier returns, and corrective actions where required.
  • Work closely with Quality Assurance on audits, investigations, and compliance requirements.
  • Maintain accurate quality, traceability, and material control records.

 

Production Support

  • Ensure all raw materials and packaging materials are available, approved, and production-ready.
  • Coordinate the ordering and preparation of mixed raw materials according to production and packing requirements.
  • Manage the scheduling and availability of blended raw materials to support operational timelines.
  • Verify that mixed raw materials comply with approved formulations and production specifications prior to release.
  • Ensure that mixed raw materials are cleared by QC for production and packing once quality, specification, and operational requirements have been met.
  • Coordinate with Operations and Production teams to align material availability with production schedules.
  • Ensure correct packaging materials are issued per product SKU and production run.
  • Adjust material allocation and priorities based on demand changes and operational requirements.
  • Prevent production delays caused by shortages, specification deviations, or incorrect material allocation.

 

Planning, Systems & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, quality, and operational records.
  • Use advanced Excel to manage planning schedules, stock tracking, forecasts, and reporting.
  • Track supplier performance, raw material variability, and operational risks.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives within raw material control and operational planning processes.
  • Assist in developing structured systems and processes to improve operational efficiency and material control.

 

Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Product Development on ingredient sourcing, formulation requirements, and specification alignment.
  • Liaise with Operations and Production teams to ensure production readiness and continuity.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance on compliance, traceability, and food safety requirements.
  • Support Sales and Marketing teams with operational planning requirements linked to product demand and launches.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Consumer Science, or related field
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

 

Experience:

  • 2+ years of experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, beverage, tea, herbal, or related production environments.
  • Strong understanding of raw material specifications, quality systems, and food safety principles.

 

Skills:

  • Strong administrative and organisational skills with high attention to detail.
  • Good communication skills and ability to work across multiple departments and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and clients.
  • Ability to context switch in a fast-paced environment.

 

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
  • A supportive and collaborative work environment.
  • The chance to contribute to a dynamic and sustainable farming enterprise.

 

How to Apply:

  • If you possess a drive for excellence, coupled with a strong background in raw material management and a genuine passion for agriculture and/or FMCG, we encourage you to apply. Please forward your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role to hr@carmientea.co.za.

 

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.