FMCG Product Development Scientist - Bloemfontein

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Access to modern lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Product Development Scientist for its Bloemfontein facility to drive the conception, development and launch of new FMCG products. You will translate innovative ideas into viable formulations, oversee benchtop work, pilot plant trials and scale-up, and collaborate across Marketing, Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing to ensure market-ready products.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a relevant science, with 3–5 years in product development, strong lab skills, and a

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of product development experience in FMCG/food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Experience in formulation development, sensory evaluation, and analytical techniques.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with R&D equipment.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews and stay current with scientific literature.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, SA; knowledge of SA regulations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, focusing on formulation and processing.
• Perform benchtop formulations, ingredient screening, and stability testing.
• Develop and optimize product formulations for sensory attributes, nutrition, and cost.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale-up processes.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Regulatory, QA, and Manufacturing.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements and consumer trends.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues during development and scale‑up.
• Contribute to IP with patents and disclosures.

Skills

Formulation development

Sensory evaluation

Analytical techniques

Lab skills

Literature review

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a dedicated and creative Product Development Scientist to join their state-of-the-art research and development facility in **Bloemfontein**, Free State. This role is integral to the conception, development, and launch of new FMCG products, ensuring they meet consumer needs and market demands. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for food science or related disciplines, and a proven ability to translate innovative ideas into viable product formulations. You will be involved in all stages of the product lifecycle, from ideation and benchtop formulation to pilot plant trials and commercial production support. This is an exceptional opportunity for a scientist to contribute significantly to product innovation within the dynamic **South African** FMCG landscape, based full-time in **Bloemfontein**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, focusing on formulation, ingredients, and processing.
• Conduct laboratory research, including benchtop formulations, ingredient screening, and stability testing.
• Develop and optimize product formulations to meet desired sensory attributes, nutritional profiles, and cost targets.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale-up processes, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive reports and technical documentation.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, emerging technologies, and consumer trends relevant to FMCG product development.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations and company quality standards.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues during product development and scale-up.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through patent applications and technical disclosures.

Requirements

• - Master's or PhD degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• - Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
• - Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• - Proven experience in formulation development, sensory evaluation, and analytical techniques.
• - Excellent laboratory skills and experience with R&D equipment.
• - Ability to conduct literature reviews and stay current with scientific literature.
• - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• - Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• - Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Bloemfontein**, Free State, **South Africa**.
• - Knowledge of **South African** food regulations is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to work on innovative product development projects for leading FMCG brands.
• Full-time position based in **Bloemfontein**.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and advanced equipment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, further training, and conference attendance.
• Be part of a collaborative R&D team focused on innovation.
• Contribute to the development of products that reach consumers across **South Africa**.
• A challenging and rewarding career in product innovation.
• Supportive work environment fostering scientific curiosity.