A leading FMCG manufacturer in Dubai is appointing a Head of R&D (Research and Development Manager) who will drive innovation and product optimization agenda across the portfolio through hands-on leadership overseeing NPD, product renovation, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance while embedding continuous improvement.
About This Opportunity
This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced R&D professional ready to lead innovation—not just support it. As Head of R&D, you’ll work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure products are commercially strong, technically sound, and market-ready for launch.
The position offers the opportunity to shape the innovation strategy for a leading FMCG food manufacturer, driving new product development, optimizing existing formulations, and establishing best-in-class R&D processes that support business growth in the competitive UAE and regional markets.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As R&D Manager, you lead innovation strategy for FMCG portfolio, commercialize new products from concept to launch, optimize formulations for cost and quality, and ensure regulatory compliance while building high-performing R&D teams.
Key Responsibilities
As R&D Manager (Head of R&D) for FMCG Manufacturing, you will:
Innovation & NPD Leadership
- Drive innovation and product optimization agenda across entire FMCG product portfolio
- Lead New Product Development (NPD) initiatives from concept generation through commercialization
- Oversee product renovation projects enhancing existing formulations for market competitiveness
- Translate market insights and consumer trends into innovative food product concepts
- Establish innovation pipeline aligned with business strategy and market opportunities
Product Optimization & Cost Management
- Lead cost optimization initiatives without compromising product quality or safety
- Optimize formulations for ingredient cost reduction and supply chain efficiency
- Implement value engineering approaches to improve product margins
- Evaluate alternative ingredients and processing methods for cost savings
- Balance quality, cost, and functionality in product development decisions
Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with UAE food safety regulations and international standards
- Maintain deep knowledge of food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and quality standards
- Oversee regulatory submissions for new products and formula modifications
- Coordinate with quality assurance teams on food safety management systems
- Stay updated on evolving regulatory landscape affecting FMCG food sector
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Marketing teams to align product development with brand strategy and consumer needs
- Partner with Operations teams to ensure smooth scale-up and manufacturing feasibility
- Collaborate with Supply Chain on ingredient sourcing, supplier qualification, and inventory planning
- Ensure products are commercially strong, technically sound, and market-ready before launch
- Lead cross-functional project teams for successful product commercialization
Continuous Improvement & Process Excellence
- Embed continuous improvement culture across R&D function
- Apply Lean methodologies to optimize R&D processes and reduce waste
- Implement best practices in product development, testing, and validation
- Drive efficiency improvements in formulation development and pilot production
- Establish metrics and KPIs to measure R&D performance and innovation success
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide hands-on leadership to R&D team including food technologists and product developers
- Build high-performing R&D organization with strong technical capabilities
- Mentor and develop team members in food science, formulation, and innovation methodologies
- Foster collaborative and innovative culture within R&D department
Education & Experience
The ideal candidate for this R&D manager position must possess:
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Food Engineering
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or Food & Nutrition
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, or related field
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering
Professional Experience
- Minimum 2+ years of experience in food industry R&D or product development
- Strong FMCG food R&D leadership experience required
- Proven success in leading NPD projects from concept to commercialization
- Demonstrated track record in product optimization and cost reduction initiatives
Essential Competencies & Knowledge
- Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and regulatory standards (UAE, GCC, international)
- Expertise in food formulation, processing technologies, and product development methodologies
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement environments
- Understanding of FMCG market dynamics, consumer trends, and competitive landscape
- Strong project management skills for managing multiple NPD initiatives simultaneously
Professional Skills
- Proven leadership abilities with experience managing R&D teams
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
- Strong commercial acumen balancing innovation with business objectives
- Analytical thinking for data-driven decision making in product development
- Effective communication skills for presenting concepts to senior management
Who Should Apply?
This FMCG innovation leadership role is ideal for:
- R&D Managers: From FMCG food companies ready for Head of R&D roles
- NPD Leaders: With proven track record commercializing food products
- Food Technologists: Seeking leadership positions in product innovation
- Product Development Managers: From food manufacturing wanting strategic R&D roles
- Innovation Directors: Looking for hands-on leadership in growing FMCG companies
How to Apply
To apply for this R&D Manager position, submit your application including:
- Updated CV highlighting Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
- Details of 2+ years food industry R&D experience
- Examples of NPD projects successfully commercialized
- Evidence of product optimization and cost reduction achievements
- Leadership experience managing R&D teams or projects
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and Lean methodologies
- Professional references from FMCG or food manufacturing roles
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