Junior FMCG Product Development Technologist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Career growth

Collaborative work environment

Exposure to product development

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Junior Product Development Technologist in Klerksdorp, North West. You will assist senior technologists in researching and formulating new FMCG products, conduct lab experiments, testing, and sensory evaluations, and support documentation and QA processes.

This entry-level position offers hands-on training, opportunities to learn scale-up processes, and collaboration with R&D, marketing, and production teams in a dynamic FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and data recording.
• Strong attention to detail and good written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior technologists with R&D and formulation of FMCG products.
• Conduct lab experiments, testing, and sensory evaluations; assess quality and stability.
• Document procedures, results, and observations in records.
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot plant and production.
• Source materials and evaluate supplier samples for quality.

Skills

Lab work

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Food Science/Technology or Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Product Development Technologist to join their innovative team in Klerksdorp, North West. This entry-level position offers a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or an individual with early-career experience to contribute to the creation and refinement of new and existing FMCG products. The role involves hands-on work in product formulation, testing, and quality assurance, supporting senior technologists in bringing exciting new products to market. Join a supportive environment where you can learn and grow within the vibrant FMCG industry in Klerksdorp, North West.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior technologists in the research, development, and formulation of new FMCG products according to project briefs and market trends.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, product testing, and sensory evaluations to assess product quality, stability, and performance.
• Document all experimental procedures, results, and observations accurately in laboratory notebooks and reports.
• Support the scale-up process from lab bench to pilot plant and eventually to full-scale production.
• Assist in sourcing raw materials and evaluating supplier samples for quality and suitability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety standards, quality regulations, and internal company policies.
• Prepare product samples for internal review, customer presentations, and regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during product development or production.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and production, to ensure successful product launches.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the laboratory in Klerksdorp, North West.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Basic understanding of food chemistry, product formulation principles, and processing techniques relevant to the FMCG sector.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, performing experiments and data recording.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Enthusiasm for product development and a passion for the food industry.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Opportunities for intensive on-the-job training and mentorship.
• Career growth prospects within the product development department.
• A stimulating and collaborative work atmosphere in Klerksdorp, North West.
• Exposure to exciting new product development projects.