Food Product Development Scientist - Innovate & Launch FMCG

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Product Development Scientist (Food Science) to lead the ideation, formulation, and launch of new FMCG food products. You will oversee the full lifecycle from concept to scale-up for production, with emphasis on sensory evaluation and market relevance.

The role requires a strong scientific background, 4–6 years in FMCG product development, deep knowledge of food chemistry, and regulatory awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 4–6 years hands-on experience in food product development within FMCG.
• Proven track record of developing and launching new food products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, processing and sensory science.
• Experience with ingredient functionality and sourcing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of South African food regulations and standards.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Polokwane, Limpopo.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct lab-scale R&D including formulation, ingredient sourcing and process optimization.
• Perform sensory evaluation and consumer testing for quality and appeal.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory and operations to ensure successful launches.
• Develop product specifications and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Scale-up products from benchtop to pilot plant to full production.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in product development and manufacturing.
• Stay updated on new food science technologies and market trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Sensory science

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Product Development Scientist (Food Science) to lead the ideation, formulation, and launch of new FMCG food products. You will oversee the full lifecycle from concept to scale-up for production, with emphasis on sensory evaluation and market relevance.

The role requires a strong scientific background, 4–6 years in FMCG product development, deep knowledge of food chemistry, and regulatory awareness.