Lead Product Technologist: HPC

Tiger Brands; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiger Brands is seeking a Lead Product Technologist onsite in Isando to drive pioneering cosmetic formulation projects from concept to prototype. You will manage supplier interactions, regulatory considerations, and collaboration with Category Brand teams.

Required are a relevant science degree and 5+ years in FMCG product development, with strong analytical and communication skills. The role focuses on sustainable, compliant product innovation and close partnership with manufacturing.

Qualifications

• ND/BSc/BTech in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Cosmetic Formulation Science.
• 5+ years’ experience in product development within an FMCG environment.
• High level of computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and source new raw materials suited to the product, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Co-create product concepts with Category Brand teams and provide key information for consumer research.
• Develop formulations with claims and regulatory considerations and create prototypes.
• Apply sustainable design techniques (life cycle design, recycling, reduced waste).
• Drive ingredient harmonisation and enhance existing formulations to meet changing consumer expectations.
• Determine plant requirements and assist with capex needs.
• Create development recipes and load data into the R&D system after Finance approval.
• Conduct tests (shelf-life, efficacy, micro) to ensure compliance and end-use suitability.
• Complete and file documentation (trial requests, trial reports) on time.
• Run pre-trial meetings and online trials to test plant capability.
• Coordinate dHACCP studies with cross-functional teams and flag materials/process changes.
• Interface with Manufacturing to prioritise CI and process optimization.
• Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects.
• Engage with external customers.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Creativity & innovation

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Time management

Communication skills

Education

ND / BSc / BTech in Biochemistry or Chemistry or Cosmetic Formulation Science

Job description

## Lead Product Technologist: HPCApply: Onsite: Isando: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: October 29, 2026 (5 days left to apply): JR003520It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!You will be responsible for the successful development of pioneering and cutting edge brand differentiating products that meet the evolving and modern consumer demands. You will be expected to deliver tangible outcomes on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier, manufacturing and interface within the category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the R&D Manager to prioritise and drive projects to completion.**WHAT YOU WILL DO** * Work with relevant partners to develop and source new raw materials that are specifically suited to the product ensuring that the raw materials are safe and compliant.* Use technical expertise to co-create product concepts with Category Brand teams and provide Category Marketing with all key information necessary for designing consumer product research.* Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the product.* Employ sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.).* Drive ingredient harmonisation and the enhancement of the existing formulation to ensure they continue meeting the changing consumer expectations.* Determine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirements.* Draw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D system* Conduct all necessary tests (shelf-life, efficacy, micro test, etc) to ensure the product is compliant and suitable for end-use.* Correct and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Trial requests, trial report etc.)* Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run on existing line(s).* Ensure that all necessary studies and tests are completed and documented to facilitate dHACCP studies with cross-functional teams – communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processes* Interface strongly with Manufacturing to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projects* Work with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projects* Play a strong role in external customer interface**WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON*** Time to deliver technical project* Successful execution of NPD Briefs* Number of new concepts adopted* Documentation management* Savings from Sustainability projects* Ability to plan and conduct competitor benchmarks* No of proactive product ideas to build innovation pipelineWHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLECompetencies* Technical Knowledge / Creativity and innovation – knowledge of the science behind developing new efficacious products, from ingredient selection to their interaction and impact on final product. Subject matter expertise required.* Teamwork– ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externally.* Analytical and problem-solving skills.* Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learnings.* Decision Making - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information received.* Time management and organisational skills – ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projects.* Communication and creative storytelling: Ability to translate complex cosmetic formulation into and to conduct presentations to external and internal partners. Experience* ND / BSc / BTech, Biochemistry or Chemistry AND Cosmetic Formulation Science* 5+ years’ Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment* High Level of Computer LiteracyIn accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.