Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Product Development Scientist for a dynamic FMCG company in Welkom, Free State. You will drive product innovation from ideation to pilot plant and commercial production support, focusing on formulation, sensory evaluation, and stability testing. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Ph.D.

in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3–5 years of product development experience. Relocation to Welkom or local residency is expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably in the FMCG sector (food, beverages, personal care, or household products).
• Proven experience in formulation development, analytical testing, and product scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for new FMCG products, focusing on formulation, sensory evaluation, and stability testing.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve performance, cost-effectiveness, or consumer appeal.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product testing and quality control.
• Manage laboratory experiments, document findings accurately, and maintain detailed project records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, to ensure successful product launches.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and scientific advancements relevant to product development.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues and provide technical support to manufacturing and quality assurance teams.

Skills

Formulation

Analytical testing

Scale-up

Education

Master’s/PhD in Food Science or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative company within the FMCG space, is looking for a creative and experienced Product Development Scientist to join their team in Welkom, Free State . This role is central to driving product innovation, focusing on the research, development, and formulation of new products and the improvement of existing ones. You will be involved in the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and laboratory-scale development to pilot plant trials and commercial production support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for consumer products, and a proven ability to bring new ideas to market. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute significantly to the product portfolio of a leading organization in the heart of the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for new FMCG products, focusing on formulation, sensory evaluation, and stability testing.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve performance, cost-effectiveness, or consumer appeal.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product testing and quality control.
• Manage laboratory experiments, document findings accurately, and maintain detailed project records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, to ensure successful product launches.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and scientific advancements relevant to product development.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues and provide technical support to manufacturing and quality assurance teams.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably in the FMCG sector (food, beverages, personal care, or household products).
• Proven experience in formulation development, analytical testing, and product scale-up.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles related to product formulation and stability.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with relevant analytical instrumentation.
• Proficiency in scientific documentation and reporting.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. We provide ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a supportive and innovative environment. This role is a fantastic chance to make a tangible impact on product innovation in the thriving FMCG market of Welkom, Free State .