FMCG Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Generous leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an FMCG Product Development Scientist to join its R&D team in Welkom, South Africa. The role focuses on conceptualizing and developing new food products and line extensions that meet evolving consumer needs and market trends.

You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful launches from benchtop to production, including regulatory compliance and shelf-life testing. A strong scientific background and 4–6 years of FMCG experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 4–6 years hands-on FMCG product development experience.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop new FMCG products and reformulate existing ones.
• Conduct laboratory-scale trials and support scale-up to production.
• Perform sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies.
• Collaborate with marketing and regulatory to meet consumer needs and regulations.
• Document procedures, results, and formulations clearly.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Sensory analysis

Data analysis

Lab teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science

Tools

Statistical software

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a creative and meticulous FMCG Product Development Scientist to join their dedicated research and development team in **Welkom, Free State**. This role is crucial for conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing new food products and line extensions that meet evolving consumer needs and market trends. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, extensive experience in food science or a related field, and a passion for bringing innovative products to life. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, to ensure successful product launches from benchtop to commercial scale. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a vibrant company culture and make a tangible impact on product portfolios in the **Free State** market and beyond. We are looking for a scientific mind that can translate consumer desires and market opportunities into commercially viable and delicious FMCG products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new FMCG products and reformulate existing ones based on market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conduct laboratory-scale product development trials, pilot plant trials, and support commercial production scale-up.
• Perform sensory evaluations, analyze product stability, and conduct shelf-life studies.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to translate product concepts into tangible products that meet consumer expectations.
• Work with regulatory affairs to ensure all product formulations comply with relevant food safety standards and labeling regulations in **South Africa**.
• Source and evaluate new ingredients and technologies to enhance product quality and innovation.
• Document all research and development activities, including experimental procedures, results, and formulations, in **Welkom**.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, scientific advancements, and competitor product activities.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to provide scientific and technical expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of hands-on experience in FMCG product development, specifically in food products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Experience with formulation development, sensory analysis, and shelf-life testing.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and labeling requirements.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with common R&D equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate within a team environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing.
• Experience with statistical software for experimental design and analysis is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities to work on innovative and exciting FMCG products.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement planning benefits.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Support for professional development and continuing education.
• A collaborative and innovation-driven work culture in **Welkom**.