Senior Product Developer - FMCG

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Product Developer for a fully remote role in FMCG. You will drive ideation, development, and launch of new products, ensuring consumer needs and market demands are met.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field, 7+ years in product development, and strong expertise in formulation, sensory evaluation, and regulatory compliance. Collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Operations is essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of product formulation and processing for FMCG products.
• Experience with sensory evaluation methodologies and data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across markets and packaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Perform market research, trend analysis, and consumer insights to guide ideation.
• Develop and optimize product formulations for quality, cost, and safety.

Skills

Product development

Sensory analysis

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Food Science

PhD in related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry , is looking for a highly innovative and experienced Senior Product Developer to join their pioneering team. This is a fully remote role, allowing you to leverage your expertise from anywhere. You will be instrumental in driving the ideation, development, and launch of new FMCG products, ensuring they meet consumer needs and market demands. This position requires a deep understanding of product formulation, sensory evaluation, packaging innovation, and regulatory compliance within the FMCG sector. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring cutting-edge products to market, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new and improved FMCG products, from concept generation to commercialization.
• Conduct extensive market research, trend analysis, and consumer insights to identify opportunities for product innovation.
• Develop and optimize product formulations, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up processes, ensuring successful transition to full-scale manufacturing.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure product concepts are aligned with business objectives and consumer preferences.
• Manage external partnerships with suppliers, co-manufacturers, and research institutions to enhance product development capabilities.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product attributes.
• Prepare detailed product development reports, documentation, and specifications for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, technological innovations, and regulatory changes impacting the FMCG product development landscape.
• Mentor junior product development team members and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new FMCG products that have achieved commercial success.
• In-depth knowledge of product formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies relevant to FMCG.
• Experience with sensory analysis, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
• Strong understanding of packaging technologies, material science, and their impact on product stability and shelf-life.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, quality assurance systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a strong scientific mindset.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement savings plans. Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first culture that prioritizes work-life balance and professional growth. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of FMCG products from the comfort of your home office.