Senior Product Development Scientist - FMCG Food

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work infrastructure support

Competitive salary

Annual bonus potential

Generous paid time off

Opportunities for learning and growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Scientist for a renowned FMCG innovator. This fully remote role leads from concept to commercialization, shaping future product portfolios and competitive advantage in the food sector.

The ideal candidate has a Masters or Ph.D. in Food Science or related field, 7+ years in FMCG product development, expertise in ingredient functionality, processing, and sensory science. You will mentor staff and collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Ops, and QA.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. holder in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive FMCG product development experience.
• Proven ability to develop and launch innovative food products.
• Expertise in ingredient functionality, food chemistry, processing, and sensory science.
• Knowledge of HACCP/ISO 22000 would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from ideation to launch.
• Research and experiment to develop innovative, commercially viable formulations.
• Optimize formulations for quality, cost, and sensory attributes.
• Collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Operations, QA for launches.
• Develop testing plans from benchtop to consumer testing.
• Analyze data and sensory feedback to guide decisions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and company policies.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the team.
• Stay updated on new food science tech and trends.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science / Food Technology / Chemistry or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Senior Product Development Scientist to join their cutting-edge research and development team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. The core focus of this role is to lead the innovation and development of new food products, from concept generation through to commercialization, ensuring they meet consumer needs and align with market trends. The ideal candidate will possess deep scientific expertise in food science, a strong understanding of ingredient functionalities, processing technologies, and sensory evaluation, particularly within the food sector. You will play a critical role in shaping the future product portfolio and driving competitive advantage for the company. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced scientist ready to lead groundbreaking projects in the FMCG food space, remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new food products, from ideation to launch.
• Conduct extensive research and experimentation to develop innovative and commercially viable food formulations.
• Optimize existing product formulations to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, and sensory attributes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality Assurance, to ensure successful product launches.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product testing plans, including benchtop, pilot scale, and consumer testing.
• Analyze scientific data and sensory feedback to make informed product development decisions.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Stay abreast of emerging food science technologies, consumer trends, and competitive product landscapes.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technicians within the R&D team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in product development within the FMCG food industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and launching innovative food products.
• Expertise in ingredient functionality, food chemistry, processing techniques, and sensory science.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and statistical analysis software.
• Familiarity with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending industry conferences.
• The ability to work from anywhere, contributing to impactful innovations in the FMCG food sector.