Product Development Scientist - FMCG Food

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Remote work flexibility

Health, dental, vision benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Product Development Scientist to join a dynamic FMCG food development team. This fully remote role allows you to design, develop and launch new food products from ideation to commercialization, ensuring consumer needs meet regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a related field with 5+ years of FMCG experience, expertise in food chemistry and processing, and strong remote collaboration skills to drive cross-functional success.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in FMCG product development.
• Proven track record of launching new food products.
• In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing techniques.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and QA principles.
• Excellent project management and communication for remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to final launch, including formulation and scale-up.
• Perform benchtop experiments and pilot plant trials to optimize formulations.
• Evaluate raw materials for new products ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing, R&D, and operations to ensure successful integration.
• Stay updated on food science technologies, trends, and competitor innovations.
• Prepare technical docs including specs and manufacturing instructions.

Skills

Food science

Formulation & product development

Project management

Remote collaboration & communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and skilled Product Development Scientist to join their dynamic FMCG food product development team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise in food science and product innovation from anywhere. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and launching new food products from ideation through to commercialization, ensuring they meet consumer needs, market trends, and regulatory standards. This role is perfect for a scientifically minded individual passionate about creating exciting new food experiences within the competitive FMCG landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process from concept generation to final product launch, including formulation, testing, and scale-up.
• Conduct benchtop experiments and pilot plant trials to optimize product formulations and processing parameters.
• Evaluate raw materials and ingredients for use in new product development, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, R&D, and operations, to ensure successful product integration.
• Stay abreast of emerging food science technologies, consumer trends, and competitor product innovations.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications and manufacturing instructions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in product development within the FMCG food industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new food products.
• In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality assurance principles.
• Excellent project management and communication skills, suitable for remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work flexibility, allowing for a great work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous allowance for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Opportunity to drive innovation in the FMCG food sector.