Product Development Scientist - Food & Beverage

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybride; ZAR 420 000 - 780 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Paid time off

Wellness program

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist for a hybrid role in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will drive end-to-end development of food and beverage products, from ideation and formulation to pilot plant trials and commercialization.

The ideal candidate has a strong science background, 3–5 years in FMCG product development, hands-on formulation and sensory evaluation experience, and knowledge of food safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 3–5 years in product development in FMCG food/bev.
• Hands-on formulation, sensory evaluation, and pilot plant operations.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Hybrid role with on-site Port Elizabeth presence.

Responsabilités

• Conduct R&D to create new food and beverage products meeting quality, cost, and nutrition targets.
• Develop and optimize product formulations considering ingredient functionality and regulatory compliance.
• Plan benchtop formulations, sensory evaluations, and pilot plant trials.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, QA, and regulatory teams throughout development.
• Prepare technical documentation including product specs and trial reports.
• Troubleshoot product issues during development and scale-up phases.
• Stay updated on industry trends and consumer preferences in food/bev sector.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and relevant legislation.
• Identify opportunities through innovation brainstorming.

Connaissances

Laboratory skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Data analysis

Report writing

Team collaboration

Formation

Bachelor's in Food Science / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Master's degree a plus

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative company within the FMCG landscape, is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist specializing in Food & Beverage. This role, based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA , offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of exciting new products that delight consumers. You will be involved in the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and formulation to pilot plant trials and commercialization. This is a Hybrid position, requiring regular attendance at our Port Elizabeth facility for laboratory work and team collaboration, with flexibility for remote research and documentation. The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background, a passion for food innovation, and experience in developing successful food and beverage products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities to create new food and beverage products, meeting defined quality, cost, and nutritional targets.
• Develop and optimize product formulations, considering ingredient functionality, stability, sensory attributes, and regulatory compliance.
• Plan and execute benchtop formulations, sensory evaluations, and pilot plant trials.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, throughout the product development process.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications, processing instructions, and trial reports.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues during development and scale-up phases.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and consumer preferences in the food and beverage sector.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety standards, quality guidelines, and relevant legislation.
• Contribute to innovation brainstorming sessions and identify new product opportunities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG food and beverage sector.
• Hands-on experience with formulation, sensory evaluation, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Excellent laboratory skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific report writing.
• Must be willing to work in a Hybrid capacity, with regular on-site presence in Port Elizabeth.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and qualifications. This Hybrid role provides a balance between structured lab work and remote research, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, a retirement annuity, and performance-based bonuses. You will have the chance to work on innovative projects and contribute to products enjoyed by many consumers. We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment. Additional perks include generous paid time off and access to employee wellness resources.