Senior FMCG Product Development Scientist — Remote

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote

Innovative projects

Professional development

Research environment

Impact on pipeline

Advanced equipment access

Generous PTO

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Scientist for fully remote work to drive FMCG product innovation from concept to pilot scale. Based in Pretoria, the role collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products that meet consumer needs.

You will lead formulation, sensory testing, scale-up, and troubleshooting, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards while staying abreast of industry trends.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in formulating and launching new consumer products.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, product stability, and manufacturing processes relevant to FMCG.
• Excellent laboratory skills, including experience with analytical and sensory evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency in project management and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality assurance principles.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products, focusing on innovation and market competitiveness.
• Formulate and test new product prototypes, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product attributes.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial production levels, collaborating with manufacturing teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during the product development process.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, ingredients, and consumer trends relevant to the FMCG sector.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of results.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure product concepts align with market demands and commercial objectives.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall growth of the R&D department.

Skills

Food science expertise

Analytical skills

Sensory evaluation

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in related field

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Scientist for fully remote work to drive FMCG product innovation from concept to pilot scale. Based in Pretoria, the role collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products that meet consumer needs.

You will lead formulation, sensory testing, scale-up, and troubleshooting, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards while staying abreast of industry trends.