Product Development Scientist - FMCG Food & Beverage

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to state-of-the-art labs

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for our client in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on conceptualisation, development, and launch of new food and beverage products, driving innovation from concept to commercialization.

You will lead R&D, formulate products, optimise formulations, and ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with marketing and operations. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of product development experience in the FMCG food/beverage industry.
• Proven experience in product formulation, sensory analysis, and understanding of food chemistry.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent laboratory techniques and experimental design capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and formulation of new food and beverage products.
• Optimise existing product formulations to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, or nutritional profile.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experimentation and pilot plant trials to validate new products and processes.
• Develop detailed product specifications and manufacturing procedures.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to translate consumer insights and market trends into innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure smooth scale-up and commercial production.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies for new and existing products.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in food science and product development.

Skills

5+ years experience

Product formulation

Sensory analysis

Food chemistry knowledge

Analytical skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent project management

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Food Science/Chemistry/Technology

Job description

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a skilled and creative Product Development Scientist to join their dynamic Research and Development team, based in Mahikeng, North West . This role is central to the innovation pipeline, focusing on the conceptualisation, development, and launch of new food and beverage products that meet consumer needs and market trends. The Product Development Scientist will conduct research, formulate new products, optimise existing formulations, and ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This position requires a strong scientific background, extensive knowledge of food science principles, and a passion for culinary innovation. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and quality assurance, to bring new products from concept to commercialisation. The ideal candidate possesses excellent laboratory skills, problem-solving abilities, and a keen understanding of consumer preferences within the FMCG food and beverage market. This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the development of exciting new products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and formulation of new food and beverage products.
• Optimise existing product formulations to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, or nutritional profile.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experimentation and pilot plant trials to validate new products and processes.
• Develop detailed product specifications and manufacturing procedures.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to translate consumer insights and market trends into innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure smooth scale-up and commercial production.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies for new and existing products.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in food science and product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG food and beverage industry .
• Proven experience in product formulation, sensory analysis, and understanding of food chemistry.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent laboratory techniques and experimental design capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Mahikeng, North West .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Chance to work on innovative and exciting new products.
• A supportive and collaborative R&D environment.
• Hybrid work arrangement flexibility.