Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Paarl; Hybride; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 presents an opportunity for a Product Development Scientist in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead development from concept to commercialization in the FMCG sector, focusing on formulations, sensory testing, and scale-up.

The role requires a strong background in food science or related fields, with 4–6 years in FMCG product development and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related field.
• PhD is an advantage.
• 4–6 years of hands-on product development experience in FMCG.
• Proven expertise in formulation and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing technologies.
• Experience with sensory analysis and consumer research.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Responsabilités

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Formulate and test recipes, optimizing taste, texture, appearance, and nutrition.
• Conduct shelf-life and stability studies.
• Perform sensory evaluations and gather consumer feedback.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing to launch products.
• Troubleshoot issues during development and scale-up.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Research and evaluate new ingredients and processing techniques.
• Prepare technical specifications and process descriptions.
• Stay updated on scientific advances and industry innovations.

Connaissances

Product development

Formulation

Sensory evaluation

Scale-up

Food chemistry

Analytical techniques

Project management

Formation

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science/ Chemistry

PhD (advantage)

Outils

Analytical instrumentation

Laboratory equipment

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is crucial for the creation and enhancement of new and existing products, ensuring they meet market demands, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, extensive knowledge of food science or related fields, and a proven track record in product innovation within the FMCG industry. You will be responsible for all stages of product development, from ideation and formulation to sensory evaluation and scale-up, contributing to the sustained growth and competitive edge of our client's product portfolio in the South African market. This position offers an exciting blend of scientific challenge and commercial impact in the heart of the Western Cape. The hybrid work arrangement allows for collaborative lab work and strategic planning from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market trends and business objectives.
• Formulate and test new product recipes and prototypes, optimizing for taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional profile.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product quality and safety.
• Perform sensory evaluations and gather consumer feedback to refine product attributes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and manufacturing, to ensure successful product launches.
• Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during product development and scale-up.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processing techniques.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications and process descriptions.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements and industry innovations relevant to FMCG product development.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• A PhD is an advantage.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of hands-on experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a focus on food or beverage products.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient functionality, and product scale-up.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing technologies.
• Experience with sensory analysis and consumer research methodologies.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Strong project management capabilities and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with South African food regulations is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, including further training and attendance at industry conferences, are available. This hybrid role, based in Paarl, Western Cape, offers flexibility and the chance to work on cutting-edge product development projects within a dynamic FMCG environment. Enjoy the beautiful Western Cape surroundings while contributing to exciting innovations in Paarl, Western Cape.