Senior Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Product Development Scientist for a remote-first role to drive R&D in FMCG products from ideation through commercialization. You will lead formulation, ingredient science, and testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams across marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing in a virtual setting.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development, advanced degrees in related fields, and a proven track record of scaling from lab to market, with strong statistical

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years in product development within FMCG.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient science, and processing technologies.
• Led R&D projects from inception to completion.
• Strong statistics, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with remote collaboration ability.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to launch, focusing on innovation and consumer appeal.
• Conduct extensive laboratory work, including formulation development, ingredient sourcing, and stability testing.
• Design and execute product testing protocols, including sensory evaluations and consumer panels.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing in a virtual setting.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial production levels, ensuring reproducibility and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during development and commercialization phases.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control procedures.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and staff.

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading innovator in the FMCG space, and we are seeking a highly skilled Senior Product Development Scientist to join their fully remote team. This role is pivotal in driving the research, development, and innovation of new consumer products, ensuring they meet high-quality standards, consumer needs, and market demands. The successful candidate will leverage their scientific expertise to conceptualize, formulate, test, and scale up new product ideas from ideation to commercialization. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking scientist to contribute to groundbreaking product innovation and shape the future of our client's product portfolio, all within a remote-first, collaborative environment. Your contributions will directly impact consumer satisfaction and market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new FMCG products from concept to launch, focusing on innovation and consumer appeal.
• Conduct extensive laboratory work, including formulation development, ingredient sourcing, and stability testing.
• Design and execute product testing protocols, including sensory evaluations and consumer panels.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, in a virtual setting.
• Scale up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial production levels, ensuring reproducibility and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during product development and commercialization phases.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, industry trends, and emerging technologies in product development.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards and quality control procedures.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technical staff in their professional development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development within the FMCG industry, with a strong portfolio of successfully launched products.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient science, and processing technologies relevant to consumer goods.
• Demonstrated experience in leading R&D projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent understanding of statistical analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a rigorous scientific approach.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and thrive in a remote team environment.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Must be comfortable working entirely remotely, with excellent self-discipline and time management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Opportunities to lead cutting-edge product innovation in the FMCG sector.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Contribute to a culture that values scientific excellence and innovation.
• Access to advanced research tools and technologies.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.