Product Development Technologist - FMCG

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

R&D facilities access

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Technologist for its FMCG team in Nelspruit. You will drive formulation, processing, and sensory evaluation to create new and improved food products that satisfy consumer needs and regulatory standards.

You will collaborate with R&D, marketing, and quality assurance to bring innovative products to market from concept through scale-up in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in FMCG product development.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, processing technologies, and sensory science.
• Experience with formulation, shelf-life studies, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent laboratory and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects in Nelspruit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and reformulate food products based on market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conduct laboratory trials, pilot plant runs, and scale-up processes for new product introductions.
• Perform sensory evaluations and analyze results to ensure product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure products meet all safety and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot production issues and provide technical support for manufacturing processes.
• Document all research and development activities, including formulation, process parameters, and analytical data.

Skills

Food science

Formulation

Sensory evaluation

Laboratory skills

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Master's degree in Food Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and innovative Product Development Technologist to join their dynamic FMCG team in Nelspruit . This role is central to the creation and enhancement of new and existing food products, focusing on formulation, processing, and sensory evaluation. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and quality assurance teams to bring exciting new products to market that meet consumer needs and regulatory standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a food science professional passionate about innovation and quality in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and reformulate food products based on market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives.
• Conduct laboratory trials, pilot plant runs, and scale-up processes for new product introductions.
• Perform sensory evaluations and analyze results to ensure product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure products meet all safety and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot production issues and provide technical support for manufacturing processes.
• Document all research and development activities, including formulation, process parameters, and analytical data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in product development within the FMCG food industry .
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, and sensory science.
• Experience with product formulation, shelf-life studies, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent laboratory skills and proficiency in analytical techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects in Nelspruit .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Access to advanced R&D facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth in product development.
• Be part of a company dedicated to innovation in the FMCG space.