Remote Senior Product Development Scientist (FMCG)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Product Development Scientist for a remote-first role to drive R&D in FMCG products from ideation through commercialization. You will lead formulation, ingredient science, and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams across marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing in a virtual setting.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development, advanced degrees in related fields, and a proven track record of scaling from lab to market, with strong statistical

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years in product development within FMCG.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient science, and processing technologies.
• Led R&D projects from inception to completion.
• Strong statistics, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with remote collaboration ability.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to launch, focusing on innovation and consumer appeal.
• Conduct extensive laboratory work, including formulation development, ingredient sourcing, and stability testing.
• Design and execute product testing protocols, including sensory evaluations and consumer panels.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing in a virtual setting.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial production levels, ensuring reproducibility and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during development and commercialization phases.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control procedures.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and staff.

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Product Development Scientist for a remote-first role to drive R&D in FMCG products from ideation through commercialization. You will lead formulation, ingredient science, and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams across marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing in a virtual setting.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development, advanced degrees in related fields, and a proven track record of scaling from lab to market, with strong statistical