About the Programme Danone is offering an exciting Research & Innovation Graduate Trainee opportunity in Johannesburg for graduates passionate about food science, innovation and product development. As part of the Research & Innovation team, you will gain practical experience across product development, packaging development, industrialisation and innovation projects within the Fresh Dairy and UHT categories. The programme provides exposure to real business projects, cross-functional teams and factory operations while giving graduates the opportunity to develop technical and professional skills in a global food and beverage organisation. What You Will Do The successful candidate will participate in cross-functional rotations every 3 to 6 months, supporting both operational and strategic projects across different areas of the business. You will analyse data, contribute to process improvements, collaborate with teams to solve business challenges and attend training and development workshops. You will also have opportunities to present your findings, learnings and recommendations to senior management. Product Development You will support the development and optimisation of yoghurt, desserts and UHT products. This will include assisting with recipe formulation, ingredient evaluation and product benchmarking. You will participate in sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies while working with cross-functional teams to develop consumer-focused products. You will also analyse technical, sensory and product performance data to support product development decisions. Packaging Development You will gain practical exposure to the development, qualification, testing and validation of packaging solutions for dairy products. The role will provide exposure to primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials and formats. You will assist with factory trials, product and packaging compatibility assessments and performance checks while documenting observations, risks and outcomes. You will also support packaging specifications, artwork reviews, colour standards, compliance requirements and internal quality standards. The position will involve collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, material efficiency, recyclability and sustainable packaging solutions. Industrialisation & Innovation Projects You will support the scale-up of new products from laboratory development through to factory implementation. You will participate in factory trials and process validation activities and assist with troubleshooting and optimisation during product launches. You will also support project management activities to help ensure innovation and renovation projects are delivered on time. Documentation Management You will assist with creating and maintaining product specifications and gain exposure to specification management across raw materials, packaging, recipes, processing and finished products. You will also support data quality, harmonisation and digitalisation initiatives while working with cross-functional teams to ensure specifications remain accurate and compliant. Minimum Requirements Applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology or a related field. Candidates should have a strong academic record together with excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. A genuine curiosity and passion for innovation within the food industry will be advantageous. You should be able to work effectively with cross-functional teams, demonstrate strong attention to detail and show a willingness to learn and develop new skills. Candidates must also be willing to work in both factory and office environments, supporting product development from the initial concept through to implementation. What Danone Offers Successful graduates will join a structured 24-month Research & Innovation development programme. You will gain hands-on experience in product development, packaging development, industrialisation and factory trials. You will work alongside teams across Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Procurement and Marketing, providing valuable exposure to different areas of the food and beverage industry. The programme also provides coaching, mentorship and continuous learning opportunities while allowing graduates to contribute to products focused on bringing health through food to more people. About Danone Danone is a global food and beverage company dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible. The company operates across areas including dairy and plant-based products, waters, early life nutrition and medical nutrition. This graduate opportunity provides an excellent platform for graduates looking to build a career in Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development, Packaging or Research & Innovation. Location Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Work Arrangement: On-site Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel How to Apply Interested and suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the Danone Research & Innovation Graduate Trainee Programme.