Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement in Kimberley

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist to drive R&D in FMCG, designing and testing new formulations, validating performance, and guiding scale-up from lab to production. You will collaborate with marketing, QA, and manufacturing to ensure consumer-focused, compliant products.

The role emphasizes hands-on formulation, analytical testing, and cross-functional teamwork in a hybrid setting in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant scientific field.
• 3–5 years of FMCG product development experience.
• Experience in formulation development, sensory evaluation and analytical testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D to create innovative FMCG products and improve formulations.
• Develop prototypes and perform lab-scale testing for performance and stability.
• Optimize formulations for cost, manufacturability and consumer appeal.
• Scale up from lab to pilot plant and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer needs into concepts.
• Work with QA and Regulatory to meet safety and compliance requirements.
• Document results and analyses meticulously.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to formulation.

Skills

Formulation development

Sensory evaluation

Analytical testing

Scale-up principles

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Lab skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Food Science / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Product Development Scientist to contribute to their research and development efforts in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is central to creating new and improved consumer products, ensuring they meet stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background, a passion for innovation, and hands‑on experience in product formulation, testing, and scale‑up within the FMCG industry. You will work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to bring exciting new products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to create innovative new FMCG products and improve existing formulations.
• Develop product prototypes and conduct laboratory‑scale testing to evaluate performance, stability, and sensory attributes.
• Optimize product formulations for cost‑effectiveness, manufacturability, and consumer appeal.
• Scale up product formulations from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand consumer needs and translate them into product concepts.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to ensure products meet all safety, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Perform comparative product analysis and stay informed about market trends and competitor innovations.
• Document all research, development activities, and test results meticulously.
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues related to product formulation or processing.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements and new technologies relevant to product development in the FMCG sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulation development, sensory evaluation, and analytical testing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and scale‑up principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards relevant to FMCG products.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent laboratory skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., MS Office, statistical analysis software).
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Kimberley, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, further education, and attending scientific conferences are available.
• This hybrid role allows for a balance between laboratory work and collaborative planning in the office, situated in Kimberley .