Andile Mdluli

Experience

• 

  Global Wheels

  Feb 2010 - Dec 2010

  CNC Operator

  Key responsibilities included raw material processing and ensuring product specifications are met

• 

  University of Pretoria, Department of Food Science, Sensory Research Division

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2017

  Part-Time Student Research Assistant

  Responsible for the recruitment, screening and selection of potential panellists to serve as the official University of Pretoria descriptive sensory panel. Offered assistance in organizing and preparation of test samples. Provided assistance in cleaning and processing (canning) of cowpea leaves for a Masters Project.

• 

  Unilever

  Jan 2018 - now

  Key responsibilities: • Inclusive of the previous responsibilities, as a technical project lead, the main responsibility is leading all technical aspects of projects (end to end) in collaboration with cross functional teams (marketing, supply chain and customer development teams) .• Foster positive collaboration with nutrition, regulatory, packaging and consumer insights teams to clearly define consumer need, assess risks, ensure product compliance (safety by design, regulations, internal nutritional standards) and updates to key stakeholders.• Manage lab and lead formulation capability (support development and growth of formulation team).• Define timelines for formulation specific activities in projects, identifying bottle necks and proposing solutions to all stakeholders. Show less Key responsibilities: Independently managing and leading collaborations with the suppliers, cross functional teams [sourcing unit implementation team (SUIT) & Procurement] and MET for materials shortages (preventing out of stock) and material changes.• Responsibly developing new or renovated products that are safe-by-design and adhere to specified criteria in the GMP and meet the product brief.• Support the design of MVPs following design of experiments principles.• Planning, execution, accurate recording and reporting of taste session results to stakeholders.• Define and create product specifications.• Planning and conducting assessments (sensorial and analytical) of products subjected to accelerated shelf-life conditions.• Where necessary, train and assist the formulation team regarding the inventory management system, product simulation and data storage tools.• In liaison with the regulatory team and guided by South African labelling legislation, compile data that appears on products’ front of pack (GDA, NRV and any technical claims) and back of pack (nutritional, storage conditions, ingredient statements and claim related logos. Show less

  • Product Development Manager

    Sept 2022 - now

  • Product Development Assistant Manager

    Jan 2021 - Sept 2022

  • Product Development Technologist

    Jan 2018 - Jan 2021