Product Development Manager - Food (FMCG)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Leave entitlements

Professional development/training

Career growth opportunities

Product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga seeks a seasoned Product Development Manager to lead the food innovation pipeline from concept to commercialization. You will guide formulation, sourcing, and process development, while aligning with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to bring new products to market.

You will manage sensory programs, validate with consumer testing, and ensure safety and quality compliance across projects, leveraging your expertise in food science and regulatory knowledge to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 7+ years in product development/R&D in FMCG foods with a track record of launches.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, processing, packaging, and safety standards.
• Experience with sensory analysis, consumer research, and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation and development of new food products aligned with market trends.
• Oversee formulation, ingredient sourcing, and process development for quality and cost.
• Conduct sensory tests, consumer studies, and shelf-life validation.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Production, Marketing, and Sales to scale from lab to production.
• Develop product positioning, claims, and launch strategies while managing timelines and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal standards.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Sensory evaluation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science/Technology/Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Product Development Manager to lead its food product innovation pipeline. This exciting role is based out of our modern facilities in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . The Product Development Manager will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and launching new food products that meet evolving consumer needs and market trends. This position requires a deep understanding of food science, product formulation, sensory evaluation, and the entire product development lifecycle from ideation through to commercialization. You will collaborate extensively with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to bring innovative food solutions to market. This is a prime opportunity for a passionate food technologist or product developer to make a significant impact on our client's product portfolio in the thriving Nelspruit region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, conceptualization, and development of new food products in line with market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Oversee product formulation, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing process development to ensure product quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct sensory evaluations, consumer testing, and shelf-life studies to validate product performance and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team, Quality Assurance, and Production to scale up new products from lab to commercial production.
• Work with marketing and sales teams to develop product positioning, claims, and launch strategies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for all product development initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry innovations, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes impacting food product development.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations and company quality standards.
• Prepare technical documentation, specifications, and reports related to product development.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in product development, R&D, or a similar role within the FMCG food industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new food products into the market.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, food processing techniques, and packaging.
• Experience with sensory analysis, consumer research methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, and other food safety standards.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package complemented by an annual performance bonus. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a robust pension fund, and generous leave entitlements. Significant investment is made in professional development, including access to specialized training, industry conferences, and opportunities for career growth within a leading FMCG organization. Employees enjoy product discounts and access to excellent facilities in Nelspruit . This is an exciting role for a Product Development Manager passionate about creating innovative food products.