We are hiring a New Product Development Manager responsible for leading the end-to-end product development of new menu items and product improvements, ensuring new products align with brand strategy, consumer insights, operational feasibility, food safety standards, and commercial objectives.
 About the Role
Core Function: Leading the full NPD lifecycle from concept creation through post-launch evaluation
Scope: New menu items, limited time offers (LTOs), and product renovations
Industry Context: Fast-paced, high-volume QSR environment with frequent innovation cycles
Cross-Functional Team: NPD Director, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality Assurance, Finance
 Career Opportunity in UAE QSR Food Innovation & Product Development
Strategic Location: United Arab Emirates — a dynamic QSR and food innovation market
Strategic Planning: Supporting annual innovation calendars and long-term product roadmaps
Commercial Ownership: Building business cases including costings, margins, and pricing recommendations
Career Growth: A senior role shaping product strategy across multiple restaurants and consumer touchpoints
Position Overview
This New Product Development Manager role involves leading the full NPD lifecycle including concept creation, feasibility, development, testing, launch, and post-launch evaluation. You will translate consumer insights into scalable product concepts, coordinate product trials and sensory evaluations, build strong business cases, ensure food safety and regulatory compliance, and manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously within tight timelines.
 Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead the full NPD lifecycle: concept creation, feasibility, development, testing, launch, and post-launch evaluation
- Develop new menu items, limited time offers (LTOs), and product renovations aligned with brand goals
- Translate consumer insights and market trends into compelling, scalable product concepts
- Ensure products can be executed consistently across restaurants
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Commercial Planning
- Work closely with NPD Director, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations Excellence, and Quality Assurance
- Coordinate product trials, kitchen tests, sensory evaluations, and consumer testing
- Build strong business cases, including costings, margins, and pricing recommendations
- Support annual innovation calendars and long-term product roadmaps
Quality, Compliance & Project Management
- Ensure all products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
- Manage specifications, ingredient approvals, and supplier compliance
- Manage multiple short-timeline projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and budget requirements
- Prepare presentations and updates for senior stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Food Science is compulsory
Experience Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in new product development, food innovation ideation, and commercialization
- Experience with product roll-out processes in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in quick-service restaurant (QSR) companies
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Food Science is compulsory
Experience Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in new product development, food innovation ideation, and commercialization
- Experience with product roll-out processes in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in quick-service restaurant (QSR) companies
Who Should Apply?
- Senior NPD/Food Innovation Professionals: With 8+ years in product development and commercialization
- Food Technology/Science Graduates: With a compulsory relevant Bachelor’s degree
- QSR Industry Veterans: With prior quick-service restaurant company experience
- Cross-Functional Project Leaders: Comfortable managing multiple projects across Marketing, Supply Chain, and QA
- Commercially-Minded Innovators: Skilled building business cases balancing cost, quality, and consumer appeal
Recently Opening Jobs👇
