We are seeking a talented Product Technologist: Beauty, Home and Toiletries to join our team. 

The Product Technologist will be responsible for ensuring that all beauty and cosmetic products meet regulatory, quality, and safety standards while aligning with Ackermans brand values, market trends, and customer expectations.

To provide technical support by maintaining and enhancing consistent quality of products and processes, in support of the Company’s product strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• To accurately assess products against company standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all        departments and suppliers
• To maintain, communicate and issue standards and product specifications
• To review and provide insights regarding necessary product specification                        adjustments in accordance with Company strategy

Knowledge required:

Essential:

• Relevant product development knowledge (Beauty & Cosmetics and/or Personal Care)
• Ingredient knowledge
• Chemical formulation of Beauty & Cosmetic products
• Quality assurance and Regulatory compliance
• Testing & evaluating product stability
• Sensory evaluation: Assess the sensory attributes of products
• Supplier base knowledge (capabilities and areas of specialisation)
• Related services – Distribution Centres, Customer Care, Marketing, Stores, Information Technology, Shipping, and Packaging
  

• Business critical path – buying cycle
• Retail Business processes (S.O.P.’s)
• Departmental (Product technology) processes and standards
• Product Technology objectives and strategies

Skills required:

• Identify, distinguish and assess product suitability
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The ability to communicate business expectations effectively to suppliers and technical information to non-technical audiences
• Effectively represent the company to external customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Excellent command of the English language, verbally and in writing
  
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
  
• Analytical skills
• Sound planning, organising & time management skills
  
• Good networking, interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  
• Negotiating skills
  
• Good conflict management skills
• The ability to:

• Be assertive
• Be creative and innovative
• Be resourceful
• Work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Be self-motivated
• Work independently, as well as be a team player

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

Experience required:

Essential:

• 3-5 years experience in a product technologist or technical role within Beauty, Cosmetics or Personal Care.

AND/OR

• Experience with formulation, product testing and safety standards within a relevant environment
• Experience working with suppliers to ensure good product quality and practices
• Experience in product
• Experience in assessing samples and advising on fit for purpose and technical outcomes
• Computer literacy including programs such as Microsoft 365

• Relevant experience in production-related health and safety practices

Preferred:

• Exposure to production floor and process engineering
• Experience in product specific manufacturing
• Exposure and/or experience in production quality auditing
• Exposure to general retail practises/processes

Essential Qualifications 

• Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• Diploma or Bachelor Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field