Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical and retirement contributions

Career growth in R&D

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist to join their R&D team in Sandton. You will transform consumer insights into innovative FMCG products, leading from concept to scale-up in a hybrid lab/remote setting.

The role requires a strong background in food science, 5+ years in product development, and hands-on formulation and testing experience to drive new product innovations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development, FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulation development, testing, and scale-up.
• Excellent understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, and quality control.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Laboratory techniques and data analysis with effective communication in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct formulation, benchtop development, and pilot plant trials.
• Perform sensory evaluations, stability testing, and QA measures.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams.
• Stay updated on scientific advances, consumer trends, and competitors.
• Troubleshoot challenges and optimize formulations for performance and cost.

Skills

Product development

Formulation development

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Food Science

PhD in related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and innovative Product Development Scientist to join their R&D team, contributing to the creation of cutting-edge FMCG products. This role, based in Sandton , is crucial for transforming consumer insights and market trends into successful product innovations. You will be involved in all stages of product development, from conceptualization and formulation to testing and scale-up, working within a hybrid model that balances laboratory work with collaborative remote sessions. The ideal candidate possesses strong scientific acumen, a passion for food science or related disciplines, and a proven ability to drive product innovation in a fast-paced environment, helping to shape the future of their product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FMCG products from concept through to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market needs and business objectives.
• Conduct formulation, benchtop development, and pilot plant trials for new product prototypes.
• Perform sensory evaluations, stability testing, and other quality assurance measures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, consumer trends, and competitor activities in the FMCG sector.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize existing product formulations for performance and cost-effectiveness.

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 , with a strong focus on the FMCG industry .
• Proven experience in formulation development, product testing, and scale-up processes.
• Excellent understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, and quality control principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and data analysis, with effective communication skills for a hybrid work environment .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical and retirement contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and R&D innovation.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of consumer-centric FMCG products.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment in Sandton .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.