Hybrid FMCG Product Innovator

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to laboratory facilities

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development support

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a dynamic FMCG role in Benoni, Gauteng. The position offers a hybrid work model with on-site lab and pilot plant activities, collaborating with Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory teams to deliver new and improved products that meet consumer needs.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in FMCG product development, strong formulation, sensory, and regulatory knowledge, and excellent analytical and team skills in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• PhD is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development within FMCG (food/beverage).
• Hands‑on experience with formulation, sensory analysis, and product testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent laboratory and research skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid setting near Benoni, Gauteng, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct bench-top formulation, prototype development, and sensory evaluation studies.
• Optimize existing formulations to improve quality, cost, or nutritional profiles.
• Collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Operations, and QA throughout the development lifecycle.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale‑up processes for launches.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and company policies.
• Prepare technical documentation, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development and manufacturing.
• Contribute to innovation pipeline ideation and concept generation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD asset

Tools

R&D software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a dynamic FMCG role in Benoni, Gauteng. The position offers a hybrid work model with on-site lab and pilot plant activities, collaborating with Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory teams to deliver new and improved products that meet consumer needs.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in FMCG product development, strong formulation, sensory, and regulatory knowledge, and excellent analytical and team skills in a hybrid setup.