Hiring Now | R&D Work Integrated Learning Learnership | Cape Town, Western Cape | Learnership Position Available
A global leader in beverages and convenient foods is urgently hiring an R&D WIL Learner (Bakeries) at its Cape Town facility in the Western Cape. If you are a final-year Food Technology, Biochemistry, or Engineering student looking for a hands-on Work Integrated Learning opportunity with one of the world’s most recognised FMCG brands, this is your chance to gain real-world R&D experience and launch a long-term career in bakery science and product development.
🔬 Don’t miss this opportunity — learnership positions are limited. Apply today.
R&D WIL Learnership Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | R&D WIL Learnership (Bakeries) |
| Job ID | 444077 |
| Department | R&D |
| Industry | FMCG / Bakeries / Research & Development |
| Job Type | Learnership (Work Integrated Learning) |
| Location | Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Minimum Qualification | Final Year — Biochemistry, Food Technology or Engineering |
| Citizenship | South African Citizens Only |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
About the Role
This is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity for final-year students in a scientific discipline who are eager to gain practical, hands-on R&D experience in a world-class FMCG environment — with a specific focus on bakeries product development.
The R&D WIL Learner will support the R&D Technologist across the bakeries product platform — assisting with trial protocols, executing prototype and pilot plant trials, conducting laboratory analyses, compiling project timelines, and contributing to the delivery of low-complexity R&D projects from brief through to scale-up.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, methodical, and results-driven student with strong analytical skills, a genuine passion for bakery science and food product development, and the initiative to contribute meaningfully in a professional R&D environment from day one.
Key Responsibilities of an R&D WIL Learner
Trial Protocol Support
- Assist with the development of trial protocols and issue to key stakeholders post-alignment with the R&D Technologist and R&D Manager.
- Define and align trial protocols pre-aligned with the R&D Technologist.
- Communicate trial requests with relevant stakeholders and support the setup of pre-trial meetings.
- Attend pilot plant and factory trials as and when required by the R&D Technologist.
R&D Project Execution
- Assist with organising and executing assigned R&D projects for the SA R&D team within the bakeries platform.
- Support the R&D Technologist to execute production trials for low-complexity projects using the TSG methodology.
- Report trial results accurately to the R&D Manager with guidance on recommendations for ingredients, formulae, and process conditions.
- Execute scale-up activities within PepsiCo-owned production plants and pre-selected co-manufacturers working closely with the Project Lead.
Laboratory Analysis
- Conduct routine analytical and product quality tests across the bakeries product platform.
- Perform the following laboratory analyses:
- Salt Analysis
- Oil Analysis
- Bulk Density Analysis
- Particle Size Analysis
- Moisture Analysis
- Lead base product collection from production lines for development at pilot plant level.
Pilot Plant & GMP Support
- Support effective work in the pilot plant, maintaining GMP and general good hygiene practices at all times.
- Collaborate with product developers throughout prototype and pilot plant phases.
- Conduct seasoning applications, ensuring in-specification salt results are attained.
Project Administration & Reporting
- Compile project timelines and communicate to relevant teams to ensure required equipment and resources are available.
- Deliver concise, accurate, and complete reporting on projects to the Line Manager and Project Teams.
- Draft R&D technical data including artwork specifications, process specifications, and finished pack standards with approval from the Project Manager.
- Work with the Regulatory team to ensure legal compliance across all relevant projects.
EHS & Business Knowledge
- Support the R&D Technologist / New EHS Representative on EHS initiatives — both local and on-site requirements.
- Complete online training to enhance business knowledge as directed.
Minimum Requirements – R&D WIL Learner
Educational Qualifications:
- Successfully completed the theoretical part of studies in a scientific field with above 60% average (essential)
- Must be in the final year of studies in Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering (essential)
- South African citizen (essential)
- Driver’s licence (advantageous)
Technical Skills:
- Good technical and analytical skills
- Basic knowledge of statistics
- Ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information
- Ability to conduct laboratory analyses including salt, oil, bulk density, particle size, and moisture testing
Skills & Competencies:
- Supportive team player with an accurate, methodical, tidy, and reliable approach
- Excellent people and interpersonal skills
- Results-driven with the ability to persevere and provide timely and direct feedback
- High degree of self-motivation combined with good organisational skills
- Eager to learn and use initiative — self-starter mindset
- Ability to work independently and deal with change and increasing complexity
- Integrity — ability to safeguard the company’s designs, formulations, processes, and reputation in all matters
Preferred Skills:
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within the R&D team and across business functions including SC/OPS, Commercialisation, and external partners
- Effective negotiation skills to ensure equitable use of shared resources
- Up-to-date knowledge of relevant technology with the ability to absorb and apply new information
- Creative thinking — ability to generate creative, workable ideas within the scope of projects
Core Values We Look For in an R&D WIL Learner
✅ Curiosity & Scientific Rigour
Great R&D starts with a genuine love of science and a commitment to accurate, methodical work. We value learners who bring curiosity, precision, and intellectual rigour to every test, trial, and analysis they conduct.
✅ Initiative & Self-Motivation
This role requires a self-starter who takes ownership of their learning and contributes proactively without waiting to be directed. We value learners who show initiative and demonstrate a hunger to grow.
✅ Integrity & Confidentiality
R&D work involves access to proprietary formulations, processes, and designs. We value learners who treat all technical and commercial information with the highest level of integrity and discretion.
✅ Teamwork & Communication
R&D projects require close collaboration across multiple teams. We value learners who communicate clearly, contribute constructively, and build strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
✅ Results Orientation
WIL learners who demonstrate a results-driven approach, meet deadlines, and contribute meaningfully to project delivery are well-positioned for permanent opportunities within the R&D team as they progress in their careers.
Career Growth Opportunities in R&D & Bakery Science
A WIL Learnership with a global FMCG company is an exceptional launchpad for a long-term bakery science and R&D career. For motivated graduates, progression is clear:
- R&D WIL Learner → R&D Technologist
- R&D Technologist → Senior R&D Technologist
- Senior R&D Technologist → R&D Manager
- R&D Manager → Head of R&D / Bakery Innovation Director
Many of the company’s most experienced R&D and bakery science professionals began their careers in WIL and graduate learnership programmes. Your career path is in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions – R&D WIL Learnership
What field of study is required for this learnership? Applicants must be in their final year of studies in Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering with above 60% average in their theoretical component.
Is this open to all South Africans? This learnership is open to South African citizens only.
Is a driver’s licence required? A driver’s licence is listed as an advantage but is not a hard requirement for this learnership.
What laboratory tests will I be required to perform? Learners will conduct salt analysis, oil analysis, bulk density analysis, particle size analysis, and moisture analysis as part of routine product quality testing.
Is this a permanent position? This is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) position. Strong performers who graduate may be considered for permanent R&D opportunities within the business.
Where is the learnership based? This learnership is based in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
How to Apply for This R&D WIL Learnership
Ready to launch your bakery science and R&D career at a globally recognised FMCG brand? Apply now.
👉 Apply Online – Job ID: 444077
Submit your CV and academic transcript highlighting your field of study, current year of study, academic average, and any relevant laboratory or R&D experience. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.
Apply early — learnership positions are limited and will close once filled.
Explore More R&D & Graduate Opportunities
Looking for more graduate, learnership, and R&D opportunities in FMCG? Browse our latest vacancies below:
👉 R&D & Bakery Science Graduate Jobs South Africa 2026 👉 FMCG Learnership & WIL Opportunities – Apply Now 👉 Food Technology & Biochemistry Jobs South Africa 👉 Cape Town FMCG Graduate Vacancies 2026 👉 Permanent R&D & Innovation Jobs South Africa
Post last updated: 2026 | Keywords: R&D WIL learnership South Africa 2026, bakery science learnership Cape Town, FMCG graduate programme bakeries, biochemistry learnership Western Cape, PepsiCo learnership Cape Town bakeries, bakery product development WIL 2026, R&D technologist learnership FMCG, work integrated learning food technology, graduate R&D bakery jobs South Africa, food science bakeries learnership 2026
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