Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading FMCG innovator in Pretoria, Gauteng, to hire a Senior Product Development Scientist. The role blends lab work with remote responsibilities in a hybrid Pretoria setting, focusing on ideation through commercialization of new FMCG products.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a related field, with 6+ years in FMCG product development, strong formulation, and project management skills, plus knowledge of food safety and QA standards.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years hands‑on FMCG product development experience.
• Proven experience formulating and launching successful new products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of new FMCG products focusing on innovation, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Formulate new product concepts and develop robust manufacturing processes.
• Conduct extensive laboratory experiments, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve quality, reduce costs, or enhance performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety standards and QA guidelines.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production levels.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues encountered during development or manufacturing.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in FMCG.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Experimental design

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/ Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, formulating, and bringing new FMCG products to market, from initial ideation through to commercialization. You will leverage your scientific expertise to develop innovative and high-quality products that meet consumer needs and market demands. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in FMCG product development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our product portfolio and contribute to a dynamic business. The role follows a hybrid work model, combining lab-based work with remote responsibilities in the **Pretoria, Gauteng** area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products, focusing on innovation, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Formulate new product concepts and develop robust manufacturing processes.
• Conduct extensive laboratory experiments, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluations.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve quality, reduce costs, or enhance performance.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with relevant food safety standards, regulations, and quality guidelines.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production levels.
• Troubleshoot product-related issues encountered during development or manufacturing.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and scientific advancements in the FMCG sector.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations related to product development projects.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in product development within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulating and launching successful new products.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality assurance systems in the food industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, demonstrating flexibility and efficiency in **Pretoria, Gauteng**.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• A passion for food innovation and consumer satisfaction.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a performance-driven bonus scheme. Comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development, including attending scientific conferences, are provided. We foster an innovative and collaborative R&D environment in **Pretoria, Gauteng**, prioritizing employee growth and scientific excellence. This hybrid role provides a strategic balance of on‑site R&D activities and remote-based project management and analysis.