Product Development Scientist - Food & Beverage FMCG

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Product Development Scientist to drive new and improved food and beverage products from concept to commercialization. The role combines laboratory development with remote strategy and cross-functional collaboration to deliver market-ready products in South Africa.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in Food Science or related fields, 3–5 years FMCG experience, and a passion for food innovation, with strong analytical and project management

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related field.
• 3–5 years in product development within FMCG.
• Hands-on formulation, benchtop development, pilot plant experience.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, processing techniques.
• Knowledge of HACCP/GMP and SA regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration in a hybrid setting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and creatively.
• Proficiency with data analysis and documentation software.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop and formulate new food and beverage products with quality, cost and shelf-life targets.
• Conduct benchtop development, pilot plant trials and scale-up activities.
• Perform sensory evaluations and consumer testing to refine attributes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations and Regulatory Affairs throughout the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in development and scale-up.
• Research innovative ingredients and processing methods for FMCG.
• Prepare technical documentation including specs and stability protocols.
• Stay updated on market trends and competitor products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of product quality and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Food science

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Independent work

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science/related

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious innovator in the **FMCG** Food & Beverage sector, is seeking a talented Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This role is central to creating new and improving existing food and beverage products that delight consumers and drive market success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, creativity, and a passion for food innovation within the **FMCG** context. This position operates on a **Hybrid** work arrangement, allowing for focused laboratory work and product testing, balanced with strategic planning and collaboration conducted remotely. You will be instrumental in taking products from concept to commercialization, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, safety, and market appeal for our products in **South Africa**.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and formulate new food and beverage products, meeting defined quality, cost, and shelf-life targets.
• Conduct extensive benchtop product development, pilot plant trials, and scale-up activities.
• Perform sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product attributes.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up.
• Research and identify innovative ingredients, technologies, and processing methods relevant to the **FMCG** food industry.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications, process descriptions, and stability study protocols.
• Stay updated on market trends, competitor products, and emerging scientific advancements in food science.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product quality and manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in product development within the **FMCG** Food & Beverage industry.
• Hands-on experience with formulation, benchtop development, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements in **South Africa**.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration in a **Hybrid** setting.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Creativity and a passion for innovation in food product development.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis and documentation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement contributions. This **Hybrid** role provides a stimulating work environment within a leading **FMCG** company, with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. You will play a key role in shaping the future of our product portfolio and contribute directly to our market success. Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and excellence in the food and beverage industry. Our client values scientific expertise and offers a platform to make a tangible impact.