Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist (Remote)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work support

Home office setup allowance

Flexible working hours

Access to virtual R&D tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist for a fully remote role. You will lead from ideation through commercialization, shaping a diverse product portfolio with a focus on formulation science and quality standards.

The role requires 6–8 years in FMCG product development, strong food chemistry expertise, and the ability to work autonomously in a remote setting while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver innovative products.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 6–8 years hands-on FMCG product development experience with emphasis on formulation.
• Proven ability to innovate and bring consumer products to market.
• Deep understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Strong experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; autonomous in remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new FMCG products, from ideation to commercialization.
• Research new ingredients, technologies, and manufacturing processes to drive innovation.
• Develop and optimize formulations for sensory, nutritional, shelf-life, and cost targets.
• Design and execute experiments for testing, stability studies, and consumer trials.
• Collaborate with Marketing, QA, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to ensure launches.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during development and scale-up.
• Stay updated on scientific advances, industry trends, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; share expertise.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.

Skills

Formulation science

Statistical analysis

Remote collaboration

Project management

Scientific communication

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is looking for an innovative and experienced Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist to join their pioneering and entirely remote research and development team. This position is central to the creation and enhancement of our client's diverse product portfolio. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, formulating, and scaling up new products from laboratory benchtop to commercial production, ensuring they meet stringent quality standards and consumer expectations. As a fully remote role, this opportunity is ideal for a self-driven scientist who thrives in a virtual collaborative environment, contributing to groundbreaking innovations without geographical constraints. We value creativity, scientific rigor, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, all within a supportive and flexible remote-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new FMCG products, from ideation and feasibility studies to formulation, testing, and commercialization.
• Conduct extensive research into new ingredients, technologies, and manufacturing processes to drive product innovation.
• Develop and optimize product formulations to meet desired sensory attributes, nutritional profiles, shelf-life stability, and cost targets.
• Design and execute experimental protocols for product testing, stability studies, and consumer acceptance trials.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing, to ensure successful product launches.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development and scale-up phases.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, industry trends, and regulatory changes impacting the FMCG sector.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product development processes and methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of hands-on experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a strong focus on formulation science.
• Proven ability to innovate and bring new consumer products to market successfully.
• Deep understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies relevant to FMCG products.
• Expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a systematic approach to scientific inquiry.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Proficiency in relevant laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and autonomously in a fully remote setting, maintaining high levels of productivity and collaboration.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive remote work support, including home office setup allowance.
• Cutting-edge research tools and resources accessible remotely.
• Opportunities for professional growth, attending virtual conferences and training.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate a healthy work-life balance.
• Contribute to the development of innovative products impacting consumers daily.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking virtual R&D environment.
• Contribution to employee wellness programs and benefits.