Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist - Fully Remote

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Scientist for a fully remote role within the FMCG sector in South Africa. You will lead ideation, formulation, and scale-up from benchtop to pilot plant, ensuring products are safe, effective, and market-ready.

Collaborating with QA, marketing, and manufacturing, you will mentor junior scientists, stay current with regulatory requirements (HACCP, GMP), and drive projects from concept to commercialization in a remote-first R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related.
• 6–8 years in FMCG product development with CPg launches.
• Proven track record launching concepts to market.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, formulation, and development from benchtop to scale-up.
• Research new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods.
• Develop and optimize formulations for stability and shelf-life.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up processes.
• Ensure safety, regulatory, and quality standards with QA team.
• Translate market trends into development briefs with marketing.
• Prepare technical documentation: formulations, processes, specs.
• Stay updated on scientific advances and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to R&D strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the **FMCG** industry, is actively seeking a highly innovative and experienced Senior Product Development Scientist to join their cutting-edge research and development team. This position is entirely **remote**, allowing exceptional talent to contribute from anywhere in South Africa. The role focuses on conceptualizing, developing, and launching new consumer products that meet evolving market demands and align with the company's strategic growth objectives. You will be responsible for the scientific aspects of product creation, from initial ideation and formulation to pilot testing and scale-up, ensuring products are safe, effective, and commercially viable. This is a critical role requiring a deep understanding of food science, ingredient interactions, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for innovation, and the ability to drive projects from concept through to commercialization in a **remote-first** environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to bring groundbreaking **FMCG** products to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, formulation, and development of new **FMCG** products, from laboratory benchtop to pilot plant scale-up.
• Conduct thorough research on new ingredients, technologies, and processing techniques to enhance product quality, efficacy, and consumer appeal.
• Develop and optimize product formulations, ensuring stability, shelf-life, and sensory characteristics meet defined standards.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up processes, troubleshooting any issues to ensure successful manufacturing transitions.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure all products meet stringent safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Work with marketing and consumer insights teams to understand market trends and consumer preferences, translating these into product development briefs.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including formulation records, process descriptions, and ingredient specifications.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, industry best practices, and competitor product innovations.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy and innovation pipeline within the **remote** R&D department.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in product development within the **FMCG** sector, with a focus on CPG categories.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new products from concept to market.
• Strong knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, food processing, and preservation techniques.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and commercial scale-up is essential.
• Familiarity with relevant food safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information.
• Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously and working effectively within a **remote** team structure.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to influence cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, reflecting extensive experience and qualifications.
• The significant advantage of a fully **remote** work arrangement, offering excellent flexibility.
• Opportunity to work with innovative technologies and contribute to market-leading products.
• Access to ongoing professional development and research opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative and scientifically driven **FMCG** team.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.