Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Advanced lab facilities

Medical & retirement benefits

Generous leave policy

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for its Rustenburg-based FMCG R&D team. The role covers concept-to-commercialization, formulating and optimizing recipes, conducting tests, and ensuring product excellence in a fast-paced environment.

You will collaborate with marketing, QA, and manufacturing to deliver market-leading consumer products while staying compliant with safety and quality standards. This is a hands-on, impact-driven position in a state-of-the-art lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• 3–5 years of product development experience in FMCG.
• Proven formulation, testing, and process scale-up experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities for new and existing FMCG products.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes and processes to meet quality, cost, and performance targets.
• Perform laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and shelf-life studies.
• Analyze product samples and interpret test results, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with marketing to understand consumer needs and market trends for product innovation.
• Work with manufacturing and QA teams to ensure smooth scale-up and production.
• Document all research, development, and testing activities accurately.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues during development and production.
• Stay updated on new technologies, ingredients, and best practices in product development.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in R&D.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science/Related field

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Product Development Scientist to join their dedicated research and development team in Rustenburg, North West . This role is crucial for driving the creation and improvement of our client's product portfolio. You will be involved in all stages of the product lifecycle, from conceptualization and formulation to testing and commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for creating high-quality consumer products. Working in a state-of-the-art laboratory, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to bring new and exciting products to market. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact on consumer products within a fast-paced and competitive industry. If you are a creative problem-solver with a knack for innovation and a deep understanding of product development principles within the FMCG space, this role is for you. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring our client maintains its market leadership through continuous product excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities for new and existing FMCG products.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes and processes to meet quality, cost, and performance targets.
• Perform laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and shelf-life studies.
• Analyze product samples and interpret test results, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand consumer needs and market trends for product innovation.
• Work closely with the manufacturing and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless scale-up and production.
• Document all research, development, and testing activities accurately.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues during development and production.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, ingredients, and industry best practices in product development.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the R&D department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulation, product testing, and process scale-up.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality control principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse departments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience with product development in the Rustenburg, North West area or similar industrial settings is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on innovative and market-leading FMCG products.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for career growth within the R&D department.
• Employee assistance program.
• Contribution to product development that impacts consumers daily.