Product Development Scientist - FMCG

Placements24; South Africa; Hybride; ZAR 600 000 - 1 200 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave allowances

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a hybrid role near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead FMCG formulation from concept to launch, working with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative products that meet quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 5–7 years in FMCG product development, and strong skills in formulation science, statistics, and lab analysis. Remote-friendly with onsite lab work.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5-7 years hands-on FMCG product development experience with formulation focus.
• Proven track record of launching FMCG products.
• Strong food chemistry and processing knowledge.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and instrumentation use.

Responsabilités

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, focusing on innovative formulations and processes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, product testing, and sensory evaluations to ensure product quality, safety, and consumer acceptance.
• Develop and optimize product formulations to meet performance criteria, cost targets, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Stay current with scientific advancements, market trends, and competitor activities in the FMCG product development landscape.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges that arise during product development and scale-up.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including formulation specifications, process descriptions, and stability studies.
• Manage R&D project timelines and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Conduct competitive product analysis to identify areas for differentiation and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Connaissances

Product formulation

R&D project management

Statistical analysis

Laboratory skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Remote work adaptability

Formation

Master's or PhD in Food Science or related field

Outils

Analytical instrumentation

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a creative and skilled Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team. This is a Hybrid role, offering a blend of remote work flexibility and essential on-site lab work at their facility near Polokwane, Limpopo . You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, formulating, and bringing to market new and improved FMCG products, ensuring they meet consumer needs, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, extensive experience in product formulation within the FMCG space, and a passion for innovation. This role is vital for maintaining our competitive edge and driving product excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, focusing on innovative formulations and processes.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, product testing, and sensory evaluations to ensure product quality, safety, and consumer acceptance.
• Develop and optimize product formulations to meet specific performance criteria, cost targets, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Stay current with scientific advancements, market trends, and competitor activities in the FMCG product development landscape.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges that arise during product development and scale-up.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including formulation specifications, process descriptions, and stability studies.
• Manage R&D project timelines and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Conduct competitive product analysis to identify areas for differentiation and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in product development within the FMCG industry , with a focus on formulation science.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new FMCG products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Excellent laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to research.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both a remote and laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to FMCG products.

Benefits

This Hybrid role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and generous leave allowances. Our client provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and contribution to cutting-edge product development in the FMCG sector. The blend of remote flexibility and hands-on lab work makes this an attractive opportunity for skilled scientists. This position is crucial for driving innovation within our product portfolio, based near Polokwane, Limpopo .