FMCG Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Medical aid

Annual leave

Hybrid work model

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an FMCG Product Development Scientist in Benoni, Gauteng. You will drive formulation, benchtop tests, pilot plant trials and scale-up for consumer products across food, personal care, or household categories.

The role blends hands-on R&D with cross-functional collaboration, regulatory compliance, and IP contributions, offering a hybrid work setup and opportunities to influence a fast-moving innovation pipeline in a dynamic FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• 3–5 years’ hands-on FMCG product development experience.
• Strong formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing knowledge.
• Good lab skills and data interpretation.
• Based in Benoni or willing to relocate; hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize FMCG product formulations.
• Conduct lab experiments and benchtop testing.
• Lead processing method development and scale-up.
• Perform sensory and shelf-life studies.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports.
• Support pilot plant trials.
• Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Product development

FMCG

Laboratory skills

Formulation development

Data analysis

Teamwork

Creative problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented and passionate FMCG Product Development Scientist to join their Research & Development team based in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is instrumental in creating new and improved product formulations that meet evolving consumer demands and market trends. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, practical experience in product development within the FMCG industry, and a creative approach to problem-solving. You will be involved in all stages of product development, from conceptualization and formulation to benchtop testing, pilot plant trials, and supporting scale-up. This hybrid role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the innovation pipeline of a dynamic company in the Benoni area, working on products that reach millions of consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development to create innovative and improved product formulations for FMCG products.
• Perform laboratory experiments, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, and benchtop testing.
• Develop and optimize processing methods for new and existing products.
• Conduct sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies to ensure product quality and stability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and manufacturing, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and specifications for new product formulations.
• Support pilot plant trials and assist in the scale-up process for commercial production.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, industry trends, and competitor activities in the FMCG sector.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and company quality standards.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent applications and technical publications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in product development within the FMCG industry (e.g., food & beverage, personal care, household products).
• Proven experience in formulation development, ingredient functionality, and processing techniques.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and quality control principles.
• Excellent laboratory skills, including analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to innovation.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Benoni, Gauteng , with a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training.
• Contribution to a provident fund.
• Medical aid benefits.
• Exposure to cutting-edge R&D within the FMCG sector.
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Work-life balance supported by a hybrid work model.
• Employee discounts on company products.