FMCG Product Development Scientist (Hybrid: Remote/Lab)

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a hybrid role near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead FMCG formulation from concept to launch, working with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative products that meet quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 5–7 years in FMCG product development, and strong skills in formulation science, statistics, and lab analysis. Remote-friendly with onsite lab work.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5-7 years hands-on FMCG product development experience with formulation focus.
• Proven track record of launching FMCG products.
• Strong food chemistry and processing knowledge.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and instrumentation use.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, focusing on innovative formulations and processes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, product testing, and sensory evaluations to ensure product quality, safety, and consumer acceptance.
• Develop and optimize product formulations to meet performance criteria, cost targets, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Stay current with scientific advancements, market trends, and competitor activities in the FMCG product development landscape.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges that arise during product development and scale-up.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including formulation specifications, process descriptions, and stability studies.
• Manage R&D project timelines and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Conduct competitive product analysis to identify areas for differentiation and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Product formulation

R&D project management

Statistical analysis

Laboratory skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Remote work adaptability

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science or related field

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a hybrid role near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead FMCG formulation from concept to launch, working with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative products that meet quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 5–7 years in FMCG product development, and strong skills in formulation science, statistics, and lab analysis. Remote-friendly with onsite lab work.