Research & Development; R&D) Manager - Meat Factory

To lead in developing new meat products, improving existing product lines, and ensuring innovation in line with market trends and customer needs. Ensures compliance with food safety, quality, HALAL standards, and cost optimization, while driving product innovation to support the company’s growth strategy.

• Lead the development of new meat products and enhancement of existing product lines based on market trends and customer requirements.
• Develop and test new product concepts, recipes, formulations, and processing methods.
• Plan and conduct product trials, pilot runs, sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and validation activities.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Sales, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Research market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor products to identify new product opportunities.
• Optimize product formulations, raw material usage, production processes, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure all new and existing products comply with HACCP, ISO, HALAL, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and maintain product specifications, recipes, trial reports, technical documents, and development records.
• Support Quality Assurance teams in product testing, labeling, certification, and compliance activities.
• Coordinate with suppliers and industry partners for sourcing new ingredients, materials, and product improvement opportunities.
• Train production teams on new product formulations, processes, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor product performance after launch and recommend improvements based on feedback and production results.
• Stay updated on food industry innovations, technologies, and regulatory changes to support business growth.

• The R&D Manager has authority over product formulation, trial protocols, and process improvements.
• Strategic decisions with significant financial or operational impact require approval from the General Manager.
• Works in collaboration with production and quality teams, often in lab, plant, and cold storage environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Meat Technology, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree in food science or R&D specialization is preferred.
• HSE or equivalent qualification in Food Safety is an advantage.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in food production industry, preferably in meat processing or FMCG food manufacturing.
• Previous GCC experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of HALAL standards, food safety regulations, HACCP, and quality requirements.

• Strong experience in product development, recipe formulation, and meat product innovation.
• Knowledge of shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation, and product validation processes.
• Ability to conduct market research, analyze consumer insights, and identify product opportunities.
• Experience in process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Understanding of risk assessment and quality assurance in new product development.
• Ability to prepare and maintain product specifications, technical documentation, and trial reports.
• Good understanding of food manufacturing processes, hygiene standards, and workplace organization.

• Strong project management and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to lead, train, and coach production teams on new products and processes.
• Experience managing multi-cultural teams and working with diverse stakeholders
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• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate with Production, Quality, Procurement, Sales, and Supply Chain teams.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and industry partners.