Senior FMCG Product Developer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Professional development

Home office allowance

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 represents an FMCG leader seeking a Senior Product Developer to conceptualize, develop, and launch new products from concept to commercialization. The role is fully remote within South Africa, with collaboration across marketing, R&D and supply chain to deliver market-ready innovations.

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in FMCG product development, strong formulation and regulatory expertise, and proven ability to lead cross-functional projects in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years in product development within FMCG with a strong launched product portfolio.
• Deep knowledge of formulation development, ingredient functionality, and processing tech.
• Sound understanding of HACCP and national/international regulatory requirements.
• Strong project management, remote collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, development, and market launch of new FMCG products.
• Perform market research to identify trends and consumer needs.
• Create formulations, prototypes, and testing protocols meeting safety standards.
• Scale lab formulations to production scales with R&D team support.
• Source materials, evaluate suppliers, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee testing, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations.
• Collaborate with marketing on positioning, claims, and packaging.
• Manage timelines and budgets; mentor junior team members.

Skills

Formulation development

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Team collaboration

Remote work

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/related

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Analytics software

Regulatory databases

Job description

About the Role Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Product Developer to join their dynamic product innovation team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing, developing, and launching new FMCG products that align with market trends and consumer demands. This role requires a deep understanding of product development lifecycles, formulation science, ingredient sourcing, and regulatory compliance within the FMCG landscape. The ideal candidate will be a creative problem-solver with a passion for bringing new ideas to life and a proven track record in developing successful consumer products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, R&D, and supply chain, to ensure seamless product innovation from concept to commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, conceptualization, and development of new FMCG products from initial concept through to market launch.
• Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, consumer needs, and competitive product offerings.
• Develop innovative product formulations, prototypes, and testing protocols, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and sensory standards.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team to scale up laboratory formulations to commercial production levels.
• Source and evaluate raw materials and suppliers, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee product testing, including sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and consumer testing.
• Work with regulatory affairs to ensure all products meet national and international compliance standards.
• Partner with marketing teams to define product positioning, claims, and packaging design, ensuring alignment with brand strategy.
• Manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring timely delivery of new product launches.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior product development team members.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a strong portfolio of launched products.
• Proven expertise in formulation development, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies relevant to FMCG products.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent understanding of market trends, consumer insights, and innovation methodologies.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Proficiency in using relevant software for formulation, project management, and data analysis.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated in a remote environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including performance-related bonuses and potential for stock options. As this is a remote role, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home. Professional development opportunities, including access to cutting-edge industry training and conferences, are provided. You will be part of an innovative and collaborative global team, contributing to the development of market-leading FMCG products. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of consumer goods from your home office, contributing to our client's success and your own professional growth, with a base in Stellenbosch, Western Cape for administrative purposes.