Product Development Scientist - FMCG

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to laboratory facilities

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development support

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a dynamic FMCG role in Benoni, Gauteng. The position offers a hybrid work model with on-site lab and pilot plant activities, collaborating with Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory teams to deliver new and improved products that meet consumer needs.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in FMCG product development, strong formulation, sensory, and regulatory knowledge, and excellent analytical and team skills in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• PhD is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development within FMCG (food/beverage).
• Hands‑on experience with formulation, sensory analysis, and product testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent laboratory and research skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid setting near Benoni, Gauteng, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct bench-top formulation, prototype development, and sensory evaluation studies.
• Optimize existing formulations to improve quality, cost, or nutritional profiles.
• Collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Operations, and QA throughout the development lifecycle.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale‑up processes for launches.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and company policies.
• Prepare technical documentation, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development and manufacturing.
• Contribute to innovation pipeline ideation and concept generation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD asset

Tools

R&D software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented and experienced Product Development Scientist. This position offers a Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote work and essential on-site laboratory and pilot plant activities at our facility in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA. You will be at the forefront of creating new and improved products, focusing on innovation, quality, and consumer appeal. We are looking for a creative scientist with a strong background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, coupled with practical experience in product formulation, sensory evaluation, and scale-up processes within the FMCG industry. The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, a passion for uncovering consumer needs, and the ability to translate scientific concepts into commercially viable products. This role requires close collaboration with marketing, operations, and regulatory teams to bring groundbreaking products to market successfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer needs.
• Conduct bench-top product formulation, prototype development, and sensory evaluation studies.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, or nutritional profiles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale-up processes for new product launches.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, ingredients, and scientific advancements relevant to FMCG product development.
• Prepare technical documentation, including specifications, manufacturing instructions, and reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during product development and manufacturing.
• Contribute to innovation pipeline ideation and concept generation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline. A PhD is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG sector, with a focus on food or beverage products.
• Hands‑on experience with formulation, sensory analysis, and product testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent laboratory and research skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid setting.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with R&D software or databases.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Proximity to or willingness to commute to Benoni, Gauteng, ZA for on-site requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based increases.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to innovate and shape the future of FMCG products.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Support for professional development and continuing education.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Collaborative and scientifically driven work environment.