Senior Product Development Chemist - FMCG

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Chemist for its FMCG division in George, Western Cape. You will drive formulation development from concept through commercialization, leveraging deep chemistry knowledge to optimise ingredients, packaging, and processes.

The role requires a strong track record in FMCG product formulation, regulatory literacy, and collaboration with Marketing, Regulatory, Operations and QA to deliver market-ready innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• 6+ years hands-on experience in FMCG product development with emphasis on formulation.
• Proven expertise in formulation science, ingredient interactions, and stability testing.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR) and wet chemistry techniques.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards for FMCG products.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Research raw materials, ingredients, and packaging to identify optimal solutions.
• Perform laboratory-scale trials and pilot plant studies to validate formulations.
• Analyze product samples to assess quality, stability, and performance.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and provide technical support to manufacturing and QA.

Skills

Formulation science

Problem solving

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

FTIR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Product Development Chemist to join their thriving FMCG division, based in the scenic city of George, Western Cape. This critical role focuses on the research, development, and optimization of new and existing product formulations within the fast-moving consumer goods sector. The successful candidate will play a key part in driving product innovation, ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards, and contributing to the company's reputation for excellence. This is a fantastic opportunity for a scientifically driven individual with a passion for product creation in the consumer goods space to contribute to a market-leading organization. The position requires a meticulous approach to experimentation, a strong understanding of chemical principles, and a keen eye for market trends in the FMCG arena.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of new FMCG products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market needs and business objectives.
• Conduct comprehensive research into raw materials, ingredients, and packaging components to identify optimal solutions.
• Perform laboratory-scale trials and pilot plant studies to validate formulations and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Analyze product samples using various analytical techniques to assess quality, stability, and performance.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and provide technical support for manufacturing and quality control departments.
• Stay abreast of new scientific advancements, regulatory changes, and industry best practices relevant to FMCG product development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure successful product launches.
• Document all research activities, experimental results, and technical reports in a clear and concise manner.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists and technicians within the R&D team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in product development, with a significant focus on FMCG product formulation.
• Proven expertise in formulation science, ingredient interactions, and stability testing.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR) and wet chemistry techniques.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards applicable to FMCG products.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Effective project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for technical reporting and team collaboration in George.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to scientific discovery and product innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment within the vibrant Western Cape region.
• Generous annual leave and other company-specific perks.