Product Development Technologist - Food & Beverage

Placements24; East London; Hybride; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Hybrid work

Career development

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Résumé du poste

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape is seeking a Product Development Technologist to drive ideation through commercialization of new food and beverage products. The role requires a strong food science background and a passion for market-driven innovation.

You will collaborate with marketing, operations, and QA to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality outputs while scaling formulations from lab to production in a hybrid East London setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of product development experience in FMCG food/bev.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques.
• Experience with product formulation, sensory evaluation, and scale‑up.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.

Responsabilités

• Conceptualize, develop, and optimize new food and beverage product formulations.
• Conduct lab-scale and pilot-plant trials to test prototypes.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer needs into concepts.
• Work with QA to meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Scale‑up formulations from lab to production and troubleshoot.

Connaissances

Food chemistry

Sensory evaluation

Scale‑up processes

Product formulation

Communication

Regulatory knowledge (SA)

Project management

Cross‑functional collaboration

Formation

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science

Outils

Lab instruments

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a talented and creative Product Development Technologist to join their dynamic team in East London, Eastern Cape. This exciting role focuses on the creation and refinement of new food and beverage products, from ideation through to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in food science or a related discipline, coupled with a passion for culinary innovation and a deep understanding of consumer trends and market needs within the FMCG space. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, operations, and quality assurance, to bring exciting new products to life. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of market‑leading products.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and optimize new food and beverage product formulations.
• Conduct laboratory‑scale and pilot‑plant trials to test and refine product prototypes.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand consumer needs and translate them into product concepts.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure products meet safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Scale‑up product formulations from lab to commercial production, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Analyze competitor products and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications, ingredient lists, and nutritional information.
• Support the sourcing of raw materials and packaging components.
• Participate in sensory evaluation panels and consumer testing to gather feedback on product performance.
• Stay current with advancements in food science, technology, and manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development within the FMCG food and beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing techniques.
• Experience with product formulation, sensory evaluation, and scale‑up processes.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for food products in South Africa.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Hybrid Working Arrangement

This role requires a hybrid working arrangement within East London, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement contributions, and performance‑based incentives. You will have access to excellent professional development opportunities and the chance to work on innovative projects within the exciting FMCG food and beverage sector. Enjoy a collaborative and stimulating work environment in East London, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role provides a balanced approach to work, fostering both collaboration and individual focus. Join a company that is committed to innovation, quality, and employee growth.