Remote FMCG Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

R&D tools access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Product Development Scientist for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will lead ideation, formulation, and launch of innovative FMCG products, working with virtual teams to drive quality, safety, and market success.

You will apply formulation science, regulatory knowledge, and strong project management to deliver consumer-loved products while staying aligned with sustainability goals and brand strategy.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5-8 years of progressive experience in product development in FMCG.
• Proven track record of launching new products.
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, ingredient functionality, and analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality systems in FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct research to formulate products, optimize formulations, and improve performance.
• Perform sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and stability testing.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing to ensure feasibility and scale-up.
• Stay abreast of science and consumer trends relevant to FMCG.
• Develop and document product specifications, processes, and QA procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety and industry standards.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during development and scale-up.
• Manage multiple projects with timelines and budgets.
• Prepare technical reports and stakeholder presentations.

Skills

Formulation science

Ingredient functionality

Analytical techniques

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Master's/PhD in Food Science/ chemistry/ chemical engineering

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Product Development Scientist for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will lead ideation, formulation, and launch of innovative FMCG products, working with virtual teams to drive quality, safety, and market success.

You will apply formulation science, regulatory knowledge, and strong project management to deliver consumer-loved products while staying aligned with sustainability goals and brand strategy.