Remote Senior FMCG Product Innovator

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical, dental, retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Developer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead ideation, formulation, and scaling of new FMCG products from concept to launch, guiding junior developers and coordinating with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years in FMCG product development, strong formulation science, regulatory knowledge, and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects remotely while ensuring quality and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive FMCG product development experience including concept to market launches.
• Proven ability to develop consumer products from ideation to commercialization.
• Strong formulation science, product stability and sensory evaluation knowledge.
• Solid understanding of regulatory requirements and QA standards.
• Laboratory techniques and equipment proficiency; able to run pilot plant scale-up.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration in remote or hybrid teams.
• Based in Paarl or able to work remotely from ZA for this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, formulation, and development of new FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Research market trends, consumer needs, and competitor offerings.
• Develop innovative formulations ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up to ensure production efficiency and consistency.
• Collaborate with marketing, R&D, operations, and QA throughout the lifecycle.
• Prepare detailed technical docs, specs, and launch materials.
• Troubleshoot development challenges and implement solutions.
• Stay updated on new ingredients, technologies, and scientific advances.
• Mentor junior development scientists and technicians.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Remote collaboration

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in a related discipline

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Quality assurance standards

Scale-up processes

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Developer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead ideation, formulation, and scaling of new FMCG products from concept to launch, guiding junior developers and coordinating with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years in FMCG product development, strong formulation science, regulatory knowledge, and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects remotely while ensuring quality and timelines.