Product Development Scientist - Food (FMCG)

Placements24; Polokwane; Vor Ort; ZAR 450.000 - 750.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development and training

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Product Development Scientist (Food Science) to lead the ideation, formulation, and launch of new FMCG food products. You will oversee the full lifecycle from concept to scale-up for production, with emphasis on sensory evaluation and market relevance.

The role requires a strong scientific background, 4–6 years in FMCG product development, deep knowledge of food chemistry, and regulatory awareness.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 4–6 years hands-on experience in food product development within FMCG.
• Proven track record of developing and launching new food products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, processing and sensory science.
• Experience with ingredient functionality and sourcing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of South African food regulations and standards.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Polokwane, Limpopo.

Aufgaben

• Lead development of new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct lab-scale R&D including formulation, ingredient sourcing and process optimization.
• Perform sensory evaluation and consumer testing for quality and appeal.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory and operations to ensure successful launches.
• Develop product specifications and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Scale-up products from benchtop to pilot plant to full production.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in product development and manufacturing.
• Stay updated on new food science technologies and market trends.

Kenntnisse

Analytical skills

Project management

Sensory science

Laboratory techniques

Ausbildung

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is actively seeking an innovative and skilled Product Development Scientist with a specialization in Food Science to join their research and development team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This exciting role involves conceptualizing, developing, and launching new food products that meet consumer needs and market trends. You will be instrumental in the entire product lifecycle, from initial ideation and formulation to sensory evaluation and scale-up for commercial production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, practical experience in food product development, and a passion for creating market-leading FMCG food products. This is a key position for driving innovation within our client's portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food products from concept through to commercialization.
• Conduct laboratory-scale research and development, including formulation, ingredient sourcing, and process optimization.
• Perform sensory evaluation and consumer testing to assess product quality and appeal.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Develop product specifications and ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Scale-up new products from benchtop to pilot plant and full production.
• Troubleshoot technical issues encountered during product development and manufacturing.
• Stay updated on emerging food science technologies, ingredients, and market trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of hands-on experience in food product development within the FMCG industry .
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, processing, and sensory science.
• Experience with ingredient functionality and sourcing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of South African food regulations and standards.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Polokwane, Limpopo .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and performance-related bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a provident fund, and excellent opportunities for professional development and advanced training in food science. This role is based in Polokwane, Limpopo , providing a chance to contribute to a leading FMCG company known for its commitment to innovation and quality. Join our client and be part of a team dedicated to creating delicious and successful food products for the South African market.