Fresh Food Field Specialist

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 75-year heritage. Through our talented people, we use our expertise and selected technologies to safely and sustainably source, manufacture and market chemical and energy products globally. When you join Team Sasol, you are joining a company that puts people at the center of everything we do.

Sasol invests in its employees along every stage of the career path and offers development opportunities to help you cultivate your career in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Job Requisition ID

11969

Closing Date

20 April 2026

OME

MSA: Energy Marketing & Sales

Location

Sandton

Purpose of Job

To drive strategic growth within the Convenience Retail portfolio by leading product innovation, supplier management, and quality assurance. The role focuses on delivering commercially viable food solutions through effective new product development (NPD), strong supplier partnerships, and strict adherence to food safety standards.

Key Accountabilities

• Implement and execute strategic objectives aligned to the Convenience Retail business.
• Develop new product concepts to penetrate existing and new markets.
• Monitor local and international trends, as well as competitor activity, and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Drive turnover and profitability through range reviews and product revitalisation initiatives.
• Support category strategies through effective product sourcing and supplier selection.
• Conduct category performance analysis and provide actionable insights to improve performance.
• Lead the end-to-end NPD process from concept through to launch.
• Conduct product, packaging, and travel testing, including validation of cooking instructions. Perform comparative benchmarking against competitor products.
• Arrange and approve mock-up samples and final packaging.

Develop and approve packaging specifications and artwork in collaboration with design agencies and printers.

Ensure successful and consistent roll-out of new products across the retail network in line with segmentation.

Source, evaluate, and onboard suppliers in line with business and category requirements.

Ensure all suppliers comply with food safety regulations and agreed standards. Establish and enforce food safety processes in line with South African regulations and standards.

Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards across all products and suppliers.

Conduct weekly quality control checks on private label products.

Oversee routine microbiological testing programmes.

Manage and resolve product-related customer complaints

Ensure effective and seamless roll-out of new products into stores.

Conduct regular visits to retail stores to monitor execution and compliance.

Support the allocation of equipment based on product range and operational requirements.

Align cross-functional teams to ensure efficient execution of initiatives.

Results Management:

• Bi-weekly performance meetings with Food Technology Development regarding:
• Sites and supplier visit reports.
• Operational issues
• Presentations
• Projects update
  
  
  

Formal Education

• University Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology/Food Science/Biotechnology/Food Consumer Science
• Drivers licence
  
  
  

Min Experience

• Min 3-5 relevant years experience in manufacturing industry.
• Experience working with Retail and/or Convenience Retail an advantage.
• The role requires specific experience in food related fields in food/franchise industry as well as a track record of experience in convenience foods/baked products/ hot and cold beverages.
  
  
  

Required Personal And Professional Skills

BC_Builds Networks

BC_Customer Focus

TC_Commercial Acumen

BC_Manages Complexity

TC_Analyse Alternatives and Recommend Solutions

TC_Understanding Customer Needs

BC_Drives Results

TC_Data Collection and Analysis

TC_Compliance Management

BC_Ensures Accountability

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of “Innovating for a better world”, Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasol’s Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our automated process is designed to efficiently assess a large volume of applications. Should you not hear from us within 60 days of the advert closing then kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you once-more for your interest in Sasol as your employer of choice, and we wish you all the best with your career aspirations and future applications with us.