Senior Product Development Scientist - FMCG Food

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Product Development Scientist to conceptualize, develop and launch new food products from ideation to scale-up and commercialization.

You will collaborate with marketing, regulatory and manufacturing teams, lead benchtop formulation, pilot plant trials, sensory evaluations, and ensure safety and quality compliance in a hybrid role with occasional remote planning.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7–9 years hands-on experience in food product development within FMCG.
• Proven track record of launching new food products into market.
• In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, ingredients, processing technologies, and sensory science.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and commercial scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new food product concepts from ideation to launch.
• Conduct benchtop formulation, pilot plant trials, and sensory evaluations.
• Ensure products meet defined quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer insights into specifications.
• Work with manufacturing to ensure smooth scale-up and production.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Stay current with industry innovations and scientific advances in food science.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during development and commercialization.
• Prepare technical docs and presentations for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and promote a culture of innovation.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Sensory science

Regulatory awareness

Education

Master's or PhD in Food Science/related

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned innovator in the FMCG food sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Product Development Scientist to join their esteemed research and development team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This critical role focuses on conceptualizing, developing, and launching new food products that align with consumer trends and market demands. The scientist will be responsible for managing projects from ideation through to scale-up and commercialization, working closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. We are looking for a creative individual with a strong scientific background in food science, extensive experience in product development, and a passion for creating innovative and delicious food products. This hybrid role offers a balance of laboratory work, pilot plant trials, and collaboration, with some flexibility for remote engagement in strategic planning and analysis. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the company's product pipeline and market leadership in **Stellenbosch**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new food product concepts, from initial ideation to final product launch.
• Conduct benchtop formulation, pilot plant trials, and sensory evaluations to optimize product characteristics.
• Ensure products meet defined quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to translate consumer insights and market trends into product specifications.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth scale-up and commercial production of new products.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay current with industry innovations, emerging technologies, and scientific advancements in food science.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during product development and commercialization.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7-9 years of hands‑on experience in food product development within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new food products into the market.
• In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, ingredients, processing technologies, and sensory science.
• Experience with pilot plant operations and commercial scale‑up.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality control systems.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in relevant software and laboratory equipment.
• Based in or willing to work a hybrid schedule in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunity to work on innovative food products for a leading FMCG brand.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance of office and remote flexibility.
• Vibrant work environment in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.