Product Development Scientist - Snacks

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Snack product innovation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a creative Product Development Scientist to join an FMCG R&D team in Stellenbosch. You will drive ideation, benchtop formulation, pilot plant trials, and commercialization support for exciting snack products.

The role requires a strong background in food science, a passion for product innovation, and hands‑on development experience within snacks. Relocation to Stellenbosch is welcomed and considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years hands-on product development in FMCG snacks.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies for snacks.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new snack products from concept to commercialization.
• Formulate and optimize snacks for taste, texture, appearance, nutrition and cost.

Skills

Food science

Product development

Sensory evaluation

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Food Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented and creative Product Development Scientist specializing in snacks to join their Research and Development team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to creating exciting new snack products and improving existing formulations to meet evolving consumer demands and market trends. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in food science or a related discipline, combined with a passion for product innovation and a hands‑on approach to development. You will be involved in all stages of the product development process, from ideation and benchtop formulation to pilot plant trials and commercialization support. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the launch of cutting‑edge snack products for a well‑regarded FMCG company in the picturesque Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new snack products from concept through to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer preferences.
• Formulate and optimize snack products, focusing on taste, texture, appearance, nutritional profile, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Conduct laboratory benchtop experiments and pilot plant trials to scale up new products and processes.
• Evaluate raw materials and ingredients for suitability in new product development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance, to ensure successful product launches.
• Analyze product performance data and consumer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Stay abreast of emerging food technologies, ingredient innovations, and competitive product developments in the snack category.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications and trial reports.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations and quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in product development within the FMCG industry, specifically focusing on snacks or savory products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies relevant to snacks.
• Proven ability to develop innovative and commercially viable food products.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory equipment and pilot plant operations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Located in or willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Chance to work on exciting and innovative snack product lines.
• A stimulating and creative R&D environment.
• Employee benefits and discounts on company products.