FMCG Product Developer - Soweto

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Learning & development

Innovative R&D environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Product Developer for its FMCG R&D team in Soweto, Gauteng. You will ideate, formulate, and drive new products from lab scale to commercial production, leveraging market insights and regulatory knowledge.

The role requires a strong scientific background with 4+ years in FMCG product development, expertise in formulation and processing technologies, and collaboration across R&D, marketing, and QA to ensure market-ready offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in a relevant science field.
• Minimum 4 years of FMCG product development experience.
• Proven ability to develop innovative FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, ingredients, and processing technologies.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and QA principles.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop new FMCG products based on research and market insights.
• Conduct lab-scale development and feasibility studies.
• Perform pilot plant trials and scale-up to commercial production in Soweto.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams to ensure market readiness.
• Develop product specifications, QC parameters, and testing methods.
• Stay updated on ingredient innovations and FMCG trends.
• Source raw materials and packaging components from approved suppliers.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during development and commercialization.
• Prepare technical documentation and regulatory submissions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and gather consumer feedback.

Skills

Product development

Formulation

Stability testing

Pilot plant

Regulatory affairs

Quality assurance

Analytical skills

Experimental design

Lab techniques

Project management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Food Science/Chemical Eng/Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a creative and technically adept Product Developer to join their research and development team in Soweto, Gauteng. This role is central to the ideation, formulation, and successful launch of new FMCG products that meet evolving consumer needs and market trends. You will be responsible for conceptualizing new product ideas, conducting feasibility studies, developing product formulations, and overseeing the transition from lab-scale to commercial production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a keen understanding of FMCG product development processes, and a passion for innovation. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of exciting new products that will reach consumers across South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and formulate new FMCG products based on market research, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conduct laboratory-scale product development, including ingredient sourcing, formulation adjustments, and stability testing.
• Perform pilot plant trials and scale-up activities to ensure smooth transition to commercial manufacturing in Soweto.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, marketing teams, and regulatory affairs to ensure product compliance and market readiness.
• Develop product specifications, quality control parameters, and testing methodologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, ingredient innovations, and industry trends in the FMCG sector.
• Evaluate and source raw materials and packaging components from approved suppliers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during product development and commercialization.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product briefs, development reports, and regulatory submissions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback on product prototypes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a focus on food, beverage, personal care, or household products.
• Proven ability to develop innovative and commercially viable FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Strong understanding of product formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with pilot plant operations and scale‑up processes is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• A collaborative and innovative R&D environment.
• Contribution to the development of products enjoyed by consumers nationwide.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.