We are seeking a technical and innovative R&D Manager to lead product development journey within the snacking category serving as bridge between culinary innovation and manufacturing excellence while driving NPD (New Product Development) and continuous improvement (Lean/5S) ensuring products remain market leaders in quality, taste, and compliance.
Attractive Compensation Package
Base Salary: AED 20,000 per month
Benefits: Comprehensive package
Annual Bonus: Performance-based
The Role
The R&D Manager for Food Snacking Category will lead product innovation and development initiatives from concept through commercialization. This strategic leadership role combines technical expertise in food science with business acumen, driving the snacking portfolio’s growth through innovative product development, formulation optimization, and quality excellence.
You will be the bridge between culinary innovation and manufacturing excellence, translating market insights and consumer trends into successful snack products while ensuring regulatory compliance, food safety, and manufacturing scalability throughout the development process.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As R&D Manager, you drive snacking innovation defining market trends, commercialize new products from concept to launch, ensure quality and compliance throughout development, and maintain competitive advantage through continuous improvement and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities
As R&D Manager in Dubai, your responsibilities include:
New Product Development (NPD)
- Lead NPD initiatives for snacking category from ideation through successful launch
- Translate consumer insights and market trends into innovative snack concepts
- Develop product formulations optimizing taste, texture, nutritional profile, and shelf life
- Manage product development timelines ensuring on-time delivery to market
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including marketing, operations, and supply chain
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives for existing snacking portfolio
- Implement Lean manufacturing principles and 5S methodology in R&D processes
- Optimize formulations for cost efficiency without compromising quality
- Identify opportunities for process improvements in production and packaging
- Ensure products remain market leaders in quality, taste, and value
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure expertise in food safety and hygiene standards throughout development
- Navigate regional import/export regulations affecting snack products
- Maintain compliance with UAE, GCC, and international food regulations
- Develop products meeting Halal, food safety, and nutritional requirements
- Coordinate with quality assurance on safety and compliance validation
Documentation & Technical Management
- Maintain strong background in documentation and recipe management
- Develop and manage product specifications and technical data sheets
- Conduct specification mapping ensuring accuracy across supply chain
- Document formulations, processes, and quality parameters systematically
- Maintain organized R&D records for regulatory compliance and knowledge transfer
Culinary Innovation & Manufacturing Bridge
- Serve as bridge between culinary innovation and manufacturing excellence
- Ensure new formulations are scalable for commercial production
- Collaborate with production teams on process optimization and troubleshooting
- Balance innovation creativity with manufacturing feasibility and cost constraints
Key Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this R&D manager position must demonstrate:
Industry Experience (REQUIRED)
- Significant R&D experience specifically in the Snacking Category (chips, crackers, nuts, confectionery, baked snacks, etc.)
- Proven track record successfully commercializing snack products
- Experience managing R&D teams and NPD projects from concept to launch
Technical Expertise (REQUIRED)
- Expertise in food safety regulations and hygiene standards
- Deep knowledge of regional import/export regulations affecting food products
- Strong background in recipe management, formulation, and specification development
- Understanding of snack food processing technologies and equipment
Professional Competencies
- Passion for continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles
- Technical innovation mindset combined with business acumen
- Strong project management skills coordinating cross-functional teams
- Excellent communication abilities presenting to stakeholders and management
Who Should Apply?
This snacking category R&D leadership role is ideal for:
- R&D Managers: From snack food companies ready for senior leadership
- NPD Leaders: With proven track record in snacking product development
- Food Technologists: Specializing in snack formulation and innovation
- Product Development Managers: From FMCG snacking sector
- Innovation Directors: Seeking hands-on R&D leadership in Dubai
Application Requirements
When applying for this R&D Manager position, ensure your resume includes:
- Significant R&D experience specifically in snacking category
- Details of NPD projects successfully commercialized
- Evidence of food safety and regulatory expertise
- Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Technical qualifications in food science or related field
- Professional references from food industry R&D roles
📩 How to Apply — R&D Manager
Email Resume: daniel@talenttapmena.com
Subject Line: R&D Manager (Food Category)
IMPORTANT: Include Job Title in Subject Line
Recruiter: Talent Tap MENA
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