Senior Product Development Manager - FMCG Innovations

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary and bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Manager for a fully remote role across South Africa. Lead ideation, development, and launch of innovative FMCG products, collaborating with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure feasibility and market success.

The role requires 7–10 years in product development, a advanced degree in a related scientific discipline, and strong leadership with a remote-working mindset. Competitive reward and ongoing professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10+ years in FMCG product development.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for food/consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, concept development, and formulation of new FMCG products.
• Oversee end-to-end product development from research to commercialization.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and operations to align feasibility and launches.
• Mentor junior scientists and guide cross-functional teams.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and product safety standards.
• Manage timelines and budgets for development projects.

Skills

Product development

Project management

Market research

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Food Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Product Development Manager to join their forward-thinking team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa . You will be responsible for leading the end-to-end product development process, from ideation and concept generation to market launch, focusing on creating cutting-edge products that meet evolving consumer needs and drive market growth. This role requires a blend of scientific understanding, market insight, and project management prowess. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to bring groundbreaking products to life. This remote role demands a high degree of autonomy, excellent communication, and a passion for innovation within the FMCG space. You will be pivotal in shaping the future product portfolio and driving competitive advantage for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, concept development, and formulation of new FMCG products.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial research and feasibility studies to commercialization.
• Conduct market research and consumer trend analysis to identify new product opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to ensure product feasibility, safety, and quality standards are met.
• Work closely with marketing teams to define product positioning, claims, and launch strategies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely product delivery.
• Coordinate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with all relevant product regulations.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up activities for new product launches.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer preferences in the FMCG industry.
• Mentor and guide junior product development scientists and technicians.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in product development within the FMCG industry .
• Proven track record of successfully launching innovative and commercially successful products.
• Deep understanding of product formulation, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance in FMCG.
• Excellent project management skills with experience managing complex, cross-functional projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and lead effectively in a remote team environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for food/consumer products is essential.
• Passion for innovation and staying ahead of market trends.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Lead innovation for a respected leader in the FMCG market.
• Significant impact on the company's future product pipeline.
• A collaborative and stimulating virtual work environment.
• Be at the forefront of product development in the dynamic FMCG sector .