FMCG Product Innovator | Hybrid R&D Scientist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical and retirement contributions

Career growth in R&D

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist to join their R&D team in Sandton. You will transform consumer insights into innovative FMCG products, leading from concept to scale-up in a hybrid lab/remote setting.

The role requires a strong background in food science, 5+ years in product development, and hands-on formulation and testing experience to drive new product innovations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development, FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulation development, testing, and scale-up.
• Excellent understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, and quality control.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Laboratory techniques and data analysis with effective communication in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct formulation, benchtop development, and pilot plant trials.
• Perform sensory evaluations, stability testing, and QA measures.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams.
• Stay updated on scientific advances, consumer trends, and competitors.
• Troubleshoot challenges and optimize formulations for performance and cost.

Skills

Product development

Formulation development

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Food Science

PhD in related field

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist to join their R&D team in Sandton. You will transform consumer insights into innovative FMCG products, leading from concept to scale-up in a hybrid lab/remote setting.

The role requires a strong background in food science, 5+ years in product development, and hands-on formulation and testing experience to drive new product innovations.