Product Development Scientist - FMCG Food

Placements24; Willows (CA); Híbrido; USD 36.000 - 55.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Our client in FMCG is seeking a Product Development Scientist to drive the creation and commercialization of new food products. You will apply scientific principles and culinary creativity to develop market‑leading formulations, working across ingredients, processing techniques, and sensory evaluation in a fast‑paced R&D team.

The role requires a strong background in food science with hands‑on formulation experience, HACCP/GMP knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with marketing,

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of product development experience in FMCG food is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with formulations, ingredient functionality and processing techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety principles (HACCP, GMP).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities and excellent lab/sensory skills.
• Experience communicating and collaborating across functions; Welkom/SA region experience is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Conceptualize, develop, and optimize new food product formulations.
• Run lab-scale experiments and pilot plant trials for product development.
• Evaluate raw materials for quality, functionality, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Analyze nutritional content, sensory properties, and shelf-life.
• Create product specs and manufacturing protocols.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, and operations throughout development.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer tests; stay ahead of industry trends.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during development and scale‑up.

Conocimientos

Food formulation

Analytical skills

Sensory evaluation

Team collaboration

Educación

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

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in Welkom, Free State. This exciting role focuses on the creation and innovation of new food products, from conceptualization through to commercialization. The successful candidate will apply scientific principles and culinary creativity to develop high-quality, market-leading food products that meet consumer needs and business objectives. You will be at the forefront of food science, working with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques to bring exciting new products to market. This position requires a passion for food, a strong scientific background, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment. The role is central to maintaining our client's competitive edge and expanding their product portfolio in the Welkom region and beyond. We are looking for an inventive individual with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality and innovation in food product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and optimize new food product formulations.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant trials for product development.
• Evaluate raw materials and ingredients for quality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Analyze product samples for nutritional content, sensory characteristics, and shelf-life stability.
• Develop product specifications and manufacturing protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and operations, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback on new products.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in food science.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during product development and scale-up.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG food industry.
• Hands-on experience with food formulation, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety principles (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent laboratory and sensory evaluation skills.
• Proficiency in scientific research methodologies and data interpretation.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in Welkom, Free State or a similar environment is beneficial.
• A creative and innovative approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Employees benefit from opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and a dynamic team environment. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance with a hybrid working model. Join our innovative team in Welkom and contribute to creating the future of food products.