Remote Lead Product Chemist – FMCG R&D

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid provided

Retirement fund contributions

Professional growth & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 are seeking a Lead Product Development Chemist for a fully remote role in the FMCG sector. You will drive end-to-end product development from concept through scale-up to commercialization, leveraging strong formulation science and regulatory expertise while guiding a cross-functional, remote team.

You will oversee laboratory work, pilot plant scale-up, and collaboration with marketing and manufacturing to ensure timely delivery of market-ready products.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related scientific discipline.
• 8–10 years of hands-on experience in product development in FMCG.
• Proven track record of launching products from concept to market.
• Deep knowledge of formulation science, ingredient functionality, and analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of GLP and GMP.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software and LIMS.
• Ability to thrive in a remote, multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and formulation of new FMCG products aligned with market needs.
• Conduct laboratory experimentation including ingredient screening and stability testing.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to pilot plant to full production.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Ensure formulations comply with South African and international regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, manufacturing, and QA teams.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for R&D.
• Stay updated on new materials and scientific advances in FMCG.
• Prepare technical reports and patent documentation as required.
• Mentor junior chemists and researchers.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Formulation science

Analytical techniques

GLP/GMP knowledge

LIMS proficiency

Remote collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemistry/related

Tools

Pilot plant operations

Statistical analysis software

LIMS

Job description

Placements24 are seeking a Lead Product Development Chemist for a fully remote role in the FMCG sector. You will drive end-to-end product development from concept through scale-up to commercialization, leveraging strong formulation science and regulatory expertise while guiding a cross-functional, remote team.

You will oversee laboratory work, pilot plant scale-up, and collaboration with marketing and manufacturing to ensure timely delivery of market-ready products.