Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus payments

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist to join our FMCG client’s R&D team in Polokwane. You will drive the creation and optimization of consumer products from concept through to commercialization, ensuring quality, safety and market relevance.

You will design and run experiments, analyze results, collaborate with marketing and production, and document formulations and processes meticulously in a fast-paced, innovation-driven lab.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, processing technologies, and analytical techniques.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with relevant scientific equipment.
• Strong project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D to formulate new products and improve existing ones.
• Design and execute experiments to test product efficacy, stability and sensory attributes.
• Analyze results and translate into development strategies.
• Ensure development adheres to regulatory standards and internal quality guidelines.
• Collaborate with marketing and production for successful launches.
• Document research findings, formulations and processes meticulously.

Skills

Product development

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the FMCG industry, is seeking a talented and innovative Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in Polokwane . This role is central to creating new and improved consumer products, ensuring they meet high standards of quality, safety, and market appeal. You will work in state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring novel product ideas from concept to commercialization. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically minded individual to shape the future of consumer products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to formulate new products and improve existing ones.
• Design and execute experiments to test product efficacy, stability, and sensory attributes.
• Analyze test results and translate them into actionable product development strategies.
• Ensure all product development adheres to regulatory standards and internal quality guidelines.
• Collaborate with marketing and production teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Document all research findings, formulations, and processes meticulously.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to innovate and develop new product formulations.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, and analytical techniques.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with relevant scientific equipment.
• Strong project management and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement plans.
• Access to advanced research facilities and ongoing professional training.
• A stimulating work environment in Polokwane focused on innovation.
• The chance to significantly impact product lines within the FMCG market.