Remote Product Development Chemist - FMCG

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Product Development Chemist to drive new and improved FMCG formulations from ideation to commercialization. Work fully remotely from anywhere in South Africa with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in chemistry or a related field, with 5+ years in FMCG product development and a proven track record of translating concept to market.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
• 5+ years in FMCG product development and formulation.
• Experience bringing products from concept to market; strong analytical and lab skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new FMCG products.
• Conduct lab experiments, stability testing, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare technical documentation and R&D reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve challenges during development and scale-up.
• Ensure regulatory and QC compliance for development activities.
• Stay updated on new ingredients and technologies.

Skills

Independent work

Virtual collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Remote work familiarity

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Remote Product Development Chemist to drive the creation of new and improved products. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa while focusing on pioneering formulations and solutions. You will play a critical role in the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and laboratory-scale development to pilot testing and commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in chemistry, extensive experience in product formulation within the FMCG industry, and a passion for innovation. We are looking for a self-starter who can effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams virtually and deliver exceptional results in a remote setting. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of consumer products from your home office and make a significant impact on our client's competitive edge. Embrace a role where scientific curiosity and practical application merge to create market-leading FMCG goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new FMCG products in alignment with market trends and consumer needs.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, stability testing, and performance evaluations to ensure product quality and efficacy.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve performance, reduce costs, or enhance sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development process.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including formulation recipes, process descriptions, and R&D reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, new ingredients, and emerging technologies relevant to FMCG product development.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to support innovation and intellectual property development.
• Participate actively in virtual team meetings and cross-functional project discussions.
• Ensure all development activities comply with relevant regulatory standards and quality control procedures.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development and formulation, specifically within the FMCG industry (e.g., personal care, home care, food & beverage).
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new products from concept to market.
• Extensive knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation techniques, and product stability.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for virtual collaboration.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality assurance in the FMCG sector.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and databases.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers exceptional flexibility and work-life balance.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage is included.
• Opportunities for continued professional development through online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences are readily available.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off are standard.
• You will be provided with the necessary resources and support to excel in a remote R&D capacity.
• Join an innovative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of FMCG product development, collaborating virtually with colleagues across the globe.
• Potential for future leadership roles within the R&D division.