FMCG Food & Beverage Product Development Scientist (Hybrid)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to state-of-the-art labs

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for our client in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on conceptualisation, development, and launch of new food and beverage products, driving innovation from concept to commercialization.

You will lead R&D, formulate products, optimise formulations, and ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with marketing and operations. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of product development experience in the FMCG food/beverage industry.
• Proven experience in product formulation, sensory analysis, and understanding of food chemistry.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent laboratory techniques and experimental design capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and formulation of new food and beverage products.
• Optimise existing product formulations to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, or nutritional profile.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experimentation and pilot plant trials to validate new products and processes.
• Develop detailed product specifications and manufacturing procedures.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to translate consumer insights and market trends into innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure smooth scale-up and commercial production.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies for new and existing products.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in food science and product development.

Skills

5+ years experience

Product formulation

Sensory analysis

Food chemistry knowledge

Analytical skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent project management

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Food Science/Chemistry/Technology

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for our client in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on conceptualisation, development, and launch of new food and beverage products, driving innovation from concept to commercialization.

You will lead R&D, formulate products, optimise formulations, and ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with marketing and operations. Hybrid work is available.