Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual salary reviews

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Product Development Scientist for its R&D team in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead the lifecycle from concept to launch, applying food science expertise to create innovative FMCG products and quality formulations.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 4–6 years in FMCG product development, and strong lab skills. You will collaborate with Marketing, Operations and QA to ensure safety and timely market introductions.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in product development within FMCG, with a focus on food/beverage products.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with analytical techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) is essential.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D activities to create new product formulations and improve existing ones.
• Develop innovative product concepts based on market trends and consumer insights.
• Perform laboratory bench work including ingredient sourcing, formulation development, and sensory evaluation.
• Plan and execute product testing, including stability and shelf-life trials.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance throughout development.
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot plant and production.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal guidelines.
• Document research findings and product specifications.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements and manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Product development

Food science

Laboratory skills

Analytical techniques

Project management

Communication

MS Office

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related

Tools

MS Office Suite

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a skilled and creative Product Development Scientist to join their dedicated Research & Development team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is instrumental in creating new and improved products that meet consumer needs and market demands. You will be responsible for the entire product development lifecycle, from conceptualization and formulation to testing, scale-up, and launch support. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, extensive experience in food science or a related discipline within FMCG, and a passion for innovation. This position is based in our client's modern facilities in Sandton, Gauteng , offering a state-of-the-art environment for research and development. We are looking for a meticulous and results-oriented scientist who can drive product innovation and contribute to the company's success. Join our client in developing the next generation of FMCG products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to create new product formulations and improve existing ones.
• Develop innovative product concepts based on market trends, consumer insights, and technological advancements.
• Perform laboratory bench work, including ingredient sourcing, formulation development, and sensory evaluation.
• Plan and execute product testing, including stability, shelf-life, and performance trials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance, throughout the product development process.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and internal guidelines.
• Document research findings, experimental procedures, and product specifications.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements, new ingredients, and manufacturing technologies relevant to the FMCG industry.
• Provide technical support for product launches and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a focus on food or beverage products.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with analytical techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) is essential.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and relevant scientific software.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflective of expertise and experience.
• Performance-based bonuses and annual salary reviews.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical and dental coverage.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending industry conferences.
• Work in a cutting-edge R&D environment with access to advanced laboratory equipment.
• Be part of a company that values innovation and contributes to consumer well-being.