Coffee Excellence Manager

Are you ready to be part of a dynamic team at one of South Africa’s leading FMCG companies? At National Brands Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of AVI Limited, we proudly produce some of South Africa’s favourite coffee and creamer brands like Frisco, Koffiehuis, Hug in A Mug, House of Coffees, and Ellis Brown. Working at our Coffee & Creamer Factory in Isando, you’ll contribute to creating high-quality products in a fast-paced environment while being part of a results-driven team. We celebrate collaboration, innovation, and accountability, ensuring every team member plays a vital role in our success.

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

• Make an Impact: Contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite coffee and creamer brands, influencing daily life.
• Innovative Growth: Be part of a forward-thinking environment that encourages product and process improvement.
• Career Development: Access a range of roles and growth opportunities at one of NBL’s 5 world-class facilities.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, team-driven environment where your contributions matter.
• Grow, Innovate, Succeed! We have an incredible opportunity for a Coffee Excellence Manager at NBL Isando Biscuits in Kempton Park, Gauteng. In this role, you will to lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge beverages products and technologies. Your responsibilities will include identifying emerging trends in the beverage industry, conducting feasibility studies, and developing prototypes that align with brand strategy and consumer expectations. You will also evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processes to enhance product quality, nutrition, sustainability, and shelf life. Your work will directly impact on the company’s ability to stay ahead in a competitive market by delivering unique and desirable food experiences. This position requires strong project management skills, creativity, and a passion for food innovation. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and collaborating with diverse teams. A background in food science or a related field is essential, along with experience in product development or innovation roles within the food and beverage industry. Key success factors include the ability to translate consumer insights into viable product concepts, a strong understanding of food safety and regulatory requirements, and the technical expertise to guide products through the development pipeline. If you are a forward-thinking professional with a drive to shape the future of food, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Technical Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

• Conduct product, material, and sensory analysis, including interpretation and reporting of results.
• Develop, validate, and manage analytical and testing procedures to support product quality and innovation.
• Plan, execute, and report on pilot plant, factory, and production trials for new products and process improvements.
• Manage shelf-life studies, sensory evaluations, and product performance assessments.
• Lead new product development activities, including blend formulation, specifications, recipes, SAP master data, and launch support.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams, driving troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Source, evaluate, and approve new suppliers and raw materials to support quality, availability, and cost-saving objectives.
• Support sales, customer engagements, training programs, and technical customer presentations.
• Manage product specifications, supplier documentation, tenders, and quality assurance requirements.
• Support food safety, quality management systems, audits, and regulatory compliance (Organic, Fairtrade, HACCP, GMP, AIB).
• Investigate consumer complaints, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, policies, procedures, and quality documentation.
• Deliver coffee education and sensory training programs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor quality teams and support the implementation of quality management systems across business operations.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• Working experience in FMCG industry preferably Pure Coffee origin selection, roasting and blend development
• Advanced MS Office computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent report writing skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Project management and project team experience

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• Minimum of a Btech/BSc Hours degree, preferably in the Food Science & Technology or Food
• A relevant higher level degree would be an advantage

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Selection and procurement of coffee beans
• HACCP and FFSC and GMP
• Occupational Health and Safety requirements
• Knowledge of SAP is an advantage

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join a leader in FMCG with a proud history and exciting future. If you're passionate about quality, innovation, and teamwork, NBL offers a rewarding career. Apply now and grow great brands, with us!