Product Development Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Retirement plan

R&D facilities

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Product Development Specialist to drive new FMCG products from concept to launch. You will lead formulation, testing and regulatory alignment in a hybrid role.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related field with at least five years in product development within food & beverage, and excellent cross-functional collaboration and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development in FMCG/food & beverage.
• Strong formulation, sensory evaluation, and product testing knowledge.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality systems.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Research new ingredients, technologies, and market trends for innovation opportunities.
• Formulate and test prototypes ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, R&D, QA, and manufacturing throughout development.
• Prepare product specifications, documentation, and technical reports.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and best practices in product development.

Skills

Product formulation

Sensory evaluation

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the FMCG industry, is seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Specialist to join their team in Polokwane. This role is central to the creation and launch of new products that meet market demands and consumer preferences within the fast-moving consumer goods sector. You will be involved in all stages of the product lifecycle, from ideation and concept development through to formulation, testing, and final launch. The ideal candidate will possess strong scientific knowledge, creativity, and a proven ability to bring successful products to market. This hybrid role allows for focused research and development work with flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market needs and company strategy.
• Conduct research into new ingredients, technologies, and market trends to identify product innovation opportunities.
• Formulate and test product prototypes, ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy standards are met.
• Collaborate with marketing, R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development process.
• Prepare product specifications, documentation, and technical reports.
• Stay abreast of regulatory requirements and industry best practices in product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG or food & beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of formulation, sensory evaluation, and product testing methodologies.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality assurance systems.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement to support work-life integration.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional growth and contribution to innovative products.