Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the farm-foods for consumers. Apart from the various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years.

Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now also operate in all areas of the food supply chain: processing, logistics, and national and global market channels.

This “house of brands” we’ve established with the support of our farmer shareholders is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

Our purpose

Touch lives – for the better: We always aim to make a positive impact in people’s lives: our employees, producers, clients, communities and the larger industry. And, through collaboration with this group of people, we strive to make an even bigger and longer lasting impact in the lives of all South Africans.

Values

We live by five important values:

We are HUMBLE

We acknowledge that we are blessed

We are HUNGRY

We do not settle for mediocre

We are BOLD

We do what is right, even if it scares us

We are SMART

We consider our words and actions

We are TEAM PLAYERS

No-one can do this alone

Our legacy

For the Love of the Land: We do it all for our legacy and the love of nature, people, country, sustainability and progress.

More about Qpro Feeds

QPro Feeds is a dynamic Animal Feed Manufacturing business with a facility in both Bethlehem and Vrede.  We are responsible for producing animal feed to in-house clients as well as external clients in the monogastric and ruminant fields.

Job Description

The Junior Nutritionist is responsible for supporting the formulation, quality, and nutritional management of animal feed products to ensure optimal animal performance, cost effectiveness, legal compliance, and customer satisfaction. The role assists with feed formulations, raw material evaluations, quality monitoring, technical support, and continuous improvement initiatives within the feed mill operation.

Requirements

• BSc Degree or Diploma in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• 1–3 years’ experience in animal nutrition or feed manufacturing environment preferred.
• Exposure to feed formulation systems and feed mill operations will be advantageous.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the maintenance and updating of feed formulations on formulation software.
• Monitor nutritional specifications to ensure feed consistency and performance.
• Assist in evaluating alternative raw materials and feed additives for cost savings and nutritional value.
• Support least-cost formulation processes while maintaining product quality standards.
• Assist with feed trials and performance monitoring where required.
• Monitor raw material quality and nutritional parameters.
• Assist with the interpretation of laboratory results and nutritional analyses.
• Support quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with internal standards and industry regulations.
• Work closely with Quality Control personnel regarding moisture levels, contamination risks, nutrient deviations, and product consistency.
• Investigate quality-related deviations and assist with corrective actions.
• Support the management of rework materials and ingredient utilization.
• Liaise with production personnel to ensure correct feed manufacturing according to formulation specifications.
• Assist production teams with technical queries related to feed formulations and ingredient usage.
• Monitor batching accuracy and adherence to formulation instructions.
• Assist in managing formulation updates during raw material shortages or operational constraints.
• Participate in feed mill troubleshooting relating to pellet quality, mixing consistency, and feed performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, feed safety standards, and relevant industry regulations including Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) requirements where applicable.
• Maintain accurate formulation records, nutritional data, and technical documentation.
• Assist with technical reporting and data analysis.
• Support stock management initiatives related to raw materials and additives.
• Participate in audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide basic technical support to sales teams and customers regarding feed products and feeding programs.
• Assist in resolving customer complaints related to feed quality or animal performance.
• Support on-farm investigations and technical visits where required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic understanding of animal nutrition principles.
• Knowledge of feed ingredients and raw materials.
• Understanding of feed manufacturing processes.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel and formulation software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
• Attention to detail and numerical accuracy.