Senior Product Developer - Food & Beverage Innovations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Employee discounts on company products

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Product Developer for its FMCG R&D team. You will drive concept-to-launch processes for new food and beverage products, lead formulation, bench testing, sensory studies, and scale-up activities while collaborating with marketing and QA to ensure safe, tasty offerings.

The role emphasizes scientific rigor, culinary innovation, and cross‑functional teamwork to shape the company’s product portfolio in a coastal FMCG hub.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in product development within FMCG.
• Proven track record in developing and launching foods and beverages.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality and processing.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer testing.

Aufgaben

• Lead development of new food and beverage products from concept to market launch.
• Conduct formulation development, benchtop testing and sensory evaluation.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer insights into products.
• Optimize existing formulations for taste, texture, nutrition and cost.
• Plan pilot plant trials and scale-up to manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with QA and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate new ingredients and processing methods.

Kenntnisse

Sensory evaluation

Food formulation

Analytical instrumentation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related

Tools

Lab instruments

Jobbeschreibung

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 conceptualization 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. This is a prime opportunity for a talented developer to make a significant contribution to our product portfolio and shape the future of food and beverage within the FMCG sector. The position requires a meticulous approach, excellent problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of food science principles. Join our team in **Mossel Bay, Western Cape**, and be at the forefront of food innovation.

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 relevant to **Mossel Bay, Western Cape**.
• 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**.
• Hybrid work arrangement for improved work-life balance.
• Contribution to innovative product development in the FMCG sector.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Supportive and collaborative team atmosphere.