Product Development Lead - FMCG

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Bonus tied to product success

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Training and conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Lead in Port Elizabeth to drive the creation of new FMCG products. You will lead an R&D team and collaborate with marketing, operations and sales to move concepts from ideation to market launch.

The role requires a strong background in food science, packaging, and manufacturing processes, with at least 8 years in product development and a track record of successful FMCG launches.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, with a substantial portion in FMCG.
• Proven track record of successfully launching innovative FMCG products to market.
• Strong understanding of food science, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and regulatory affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor assessments to identify opportunities.
• Manage the R&D team, fostering creativity and scientific rigor.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure market-ready concepts.
• Develop product specifications, prototypes and conduct testing to validate performance and appeal.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and quality assurance throughout development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory affairs

Sensory evaluation

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Product Development Lead to drive the creation of new and improved products within their FMCG division in Port Elizabeth . This role is central to identifying market needs and translating them into successful product innovations that resonate with consumers. You will lead a team of product developers, R&D specialists, and work closely with marketing and operations to bring new concepts from ideation to market launch. This is a critical leadership position focused on shaping the future product pipeline in the competitive FMCG landscape , based in Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new FMCG products, from concept generation to commercialization.
• Conduct thorough market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor product assessments to identify innovation opportunities.
• Manage the R&D team, providing guidance and fostering a culture of creativity and scientific rigor.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure product concepts meet market demands and are manufacturable.
• Develop product specifications, prototypes, and conduct testing to validate performance and consumer appeal.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and quality assurance throughout the development lifecycle.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development , with a substantial portion within the FMCG industry .
• Proven track record of successfully launching innovative FMCG products to market.
• Strong understanding of food science, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and regulatory affairs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive bonus structure linked to product innovation success.
• Excellent health insurance coverage and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced training and attendance at industry conferences.
• Relocation support for qualified candidates moving to Port Elizabeth .
• A stimulating and rewarding work environment focused on innovation and growth.