Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Professional development

Be part of developing cutting-edge FMC

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a passionate and innovative Product Development Scientist to join the client's R&D team in Randburg. You will drive the full product development lifecycle from ideation and formulation to testing and commercialization, shaping FMCG offerings for evolving consumer needs.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc or MSc in Food Science, Chemistry or a related field, has hands-on formulation experience, strong lab skills, and a mindset for cost-effective, quality-focused innovation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in product development, preferably within FMCG.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with analytical techniques.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D to create innovative new FMCG products.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes for quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and sensory evaluations.
• Analyze product performance, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

Skills

Product development

Lab skills

Analytical techniques

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Food Science or related

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a passionate and innovative Product Development Scientist to join their dynamic R&D team in Randburg . This role is critical for creating new and improved FMCG products that meet evolving consumer needs and market trends. You will be involved in the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and formulation to testing and commercialization. The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background, hands-on experience in product formulation, and a deep understanding of the FMCG landscape in Gauteng . This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our client's product offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development to create innovative new FMCG products.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes, ensuring quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and sensory evaluations.
• Analyze product performance, troubleshoot issues, and recommend process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG sector .
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with analytical techniques.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Be part of developing cutting‑edge products in the FMCG industry.
• Collaborative and innovative research environment.