Product Development Specialist - Food; FMCG

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a creative and technically proficient Product Development Specialist to join their research and development team. This role, based in Bloemfontein, Free State, focuses on the development of new and improved food products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science or a related field, a passion for culinary innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer trends within the food industry.

You will be instrumental in transforming innovative concepts into commercially viable products, ensuring they meet stringent quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the creation of exciting new food offerings and drive product innovation within a respected FMCG company.

• Conceptualize, develop, and optimize new food product formulations and processes from benchtop to pilot scale.
• Conduct extensive research on ingredients, raw materials, and processing technologies to identify opportunities for product innovation and improvement.
• Perform sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies to ensure product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop and refine product specifications, ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Scale up new product formulations from laboratory to commercial production, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging food trends, technologies, and competitor product developments.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product development reports and ingredient statements.
• Conduct cost analysis and work towards achieving cost-effective product solutions.
• Participate in cross-functional product development meetings and present findings and recommendations.

• A Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in product development within the food FMCG sector.
• Proven experience in formulation development, product scale-up, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and quality control principles.
• Familiarity with various food processing techniques and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for food.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State.

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in the field of food science and product innovation.
• Exposure to cutting-edge food technology and product development processes.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Bloemfontein.
• Potential for career growth within the R&D department.