Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Growth and advancement opportunities

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Hybrid work arrangement

Innovation-focused environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist to join its R&D team in Vereeniging. You will conceptualize, develop, and refine new FMCG products and improve existing formulations to meet market demands.

Collaborate with marketing and manufacturing to drive products from ideation to launch. You will lead formulation efforts, conduct stability studies, and provide technical guidance throughout the product lifecycle, leveraging strong analytical and project-management skills in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development within FMCG.
• Proven formulation, ingredient interaction, and product testing experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and scale-up challenges in FMCG.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept through to commercialization.
• Formulate and test new product prototypes, optimizing ingredients and processes for quality, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct stability studies, sensory evaluations, and performance testing to ensure product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale up production processes and ensure smooth transitions from lab to plant.
• Provide technical support and guidance to marketing and sales teams regarding product features and benefits.
• Stay current with scientific advancements, industry trends, and regulatory requirements relevant to FMCG product development.

Skills

Formulation

Ingredient interaction

Product testing methodologies

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

MS/PhD in Food Science

Chemistry or Chemical Engineering degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Product Development Scientist to join their dedicated research and development team in Vereeniging, focusing on the FMCG industry. This role is crucial in conceptualizing, developing, and refining new products and improving existing formulations to meet market demands and consumer preferences. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and manufacturing, to bring cutting-edge FMCG products from ideation to launch. This position offers a challenging and rewarding environment for scientists passionate about innovation and product excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept through to commercialization.
• Formulate and test new product prototypes, optimizing ingredients and processes for quality, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct stability studies, sensory evaluations, and performance testing to ensure product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale up production processes and ensure smooth transitions from lab to plant.
• Provide technical support and guidance to marketing and sales teams regarding product features and benefits.
• Stay current with scientific advancements, industry trends, and regulatory requirements relevant to FMCG product development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience in formulation, ingredient interaction, and product testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and scale-up challenges in the FMCG industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and communicate technical information clearly.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a leading FMCG company.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Vereeniging.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing a balance between office collaboration and focused work.
• Encouragement of innovation and contribution to exciting new product launches.