Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Nuwerus; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

State-of-the-art R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Product Development Scientist to join the R&D team in Kimberley, focused on innovative FMCG foods. You will drive concept to launch, lead formulation testing, and manage scale-up to commercial production while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and analytical methods, with a track record in FMCG product development and project management.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG food industry.
• Proven expertise in food formulation, sensory evaluation, and analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG food products from concept to commercialization, ensuring quality and market relevance.
• Formulate and test new product prototypes, optimizing ingredients, processes, and sensory attributes.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product quality and safety in various conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, scientific advancements, and consumer preferences in the FMCG food sector.

Skills

Food formulation

Sensory evaluation

Analytical techniques

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Product Development Scientist to join their Research and Development team in Kimberley , focusing on the FMCG sector. This role is pivotal in creating new and improved food products that meet consumer demands and industry standards. You will be involved in all stages of product development, from concept ideation and formulation to testing, scale-up, and launch support. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate scientist to contribute to the innovation pipeline of a leading FMCG company in the Northern Cape province .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG food products from concept to commercialization, ensuring quality and market relevance.
• Formulate and test new product prototypes, optimizing ingredients, processes, and sensory attributes.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product quality and safety in various conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, scientific advancements, and consumer preferences in the FMCG food sector .

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG food industry .
• Proven expertise in food formulation, sensory evaluation, and analytical techniques.
• Experience with product scale-up and manufacturing processes is essential.
• Strong understanding of food regulations and quality assurance in the South African context .
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and pension fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and scientific excellence.
• The chance to shape the future of popular FMCG products in Kimberley .