Senior Polymer Materials Scientist — R&D Innovator

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement benefits

Advanced training

Generous paid time off

Employee discounts

R&D environment in Mossel Bay

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Product Developer to lead the creation and enhancement of new food and beverage products within the FMCG sector.

You will translate consumer insights into viable formulations, run pilot plant trials, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with marketing, QA, and manufacturing to scale products.

The role offers a stimulating R&D environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a competitive salary with benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years in FMCG food and beverage product development.
• Experience launching successful products.
• Strong knowledge of formulation and processing techniques.
• Experience with sensory evaluation methods.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control.
• Lab techniques and analytical instrumentation proficiency.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Creative problem-solving and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new foods and beverages from concept to market launch.
• Conduct formulation development, benchtop testing, and sensory evaluation.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer insights into products.
• Optimize formulations for taste, texture, nutrition, and cost.
• Plan pilot plant trials and scale-up activities with manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with QA and regulatory requirements.
• Research new ingredients and processing methods.
• Prepare development reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry trends and technologies.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, marketing, and sales.

Skills

Food formulation

Sensory evaluation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology or Chemistry

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

Senior Product Developer - Food & Beverage Innovations

About the Role Our client, a renowned leader in the Fast‑Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is actively seeking a highly innovative and experienced Senior Product Developer to join their dedicated research and development team. This exciting role is based in the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and will focus on the creation and enhancement of new food and beverage products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for culinary innovation, and a proven ability to translate consumer trends and market insights into commercially viable products. You will be instrumental in driving the product pipeline, from conceptualisation and formulation to pilot testing and commercial scale‑up. We are committed to fostering an environment of creativity, scientific rigor, and collaboration, offering ample opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food and beverage products from concept ideation through to market launch.
• Conduct formulation development, benchtop testing, and sensory evaluation for new product prototypes.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to understand consumer needs and market trends.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials and scale‑up activities, ensuring smooth transition to manufacturing.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to ensure product compliance and safety.
• Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processing methods.
• Prepare detailed product specifications, development reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and scientific advancements in food science.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams regarding product‑related inquiries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in product development within the FMCG food and beverage sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and launching successful food and beverage products.
• Strong knowledge of food formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing techniques.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing methodologies.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and quality control principles applicable in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Creative problem‑solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Generous paid time off.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• A stimulating R&D environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.