FMCG Food & Beverage Product Developer (Hybrid)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Product Development Scientist to drive new and improved food and beverage products from concept to commercialization. The role combines laboratory development with remote strategy and cross-functional collaboration to deliver market-ready products in South Africa.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in Food Science or related fields, 3–5 years FMCG experience, and a passion for food innovation, with strong analytical and project management

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related field.
• 3–5 years in product development within FMCG.
• Hands-on formulation, benchtop development, pilot plant experience.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, processing techniques.
• Knowledge of HACCP/GMP and SA regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration in a hybrid setting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and creatively.
• Proficiency with data analysis and documentation software.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop and formulate new food and beverage products with quality, cost and shelf-life targets.
• Conduct benchtop development, pilot plant trials and scale-up activities.
• Perform sensory evaluations and consumer testing to refine attributes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations and Regulatory Affairs throughout the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in development and scale-up.
• Research innovative ingredients and processing methods for FMCG.
• Prepare technical documentation including specs and stability protocols.
• Stay updated on market trends and competitor products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product quality and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Food science

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Independent work

Creativity

Education

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

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Product Development Scientist to drive new and improved food and beverage products from concept to commercialization. The role combines laboratory development with remote strategy and cross-functional collaboration to deliver market-ready products in South Africa.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in Food Science or related fields, 3–5 years FMCG experience, and a passion for food innovation, with strong analytical and project management