Shan Foods, a global food brand bringing real flavor to kitchens worldwide, is seeking Senior Manager Research & Development for Sharjah to work in dynamic and innovation-driven role where science meets strategy, lead new product development initiatives for meat and poultry based functional ingredients including seasonings, coatings, and marinades, develop and optimize product formulations enhancing taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life, collaborate with international clients particularly German market, and drive continuous improvement supporting business growth across global markets.
About Shan Foods – Global Food Brand
Global Reach: Bringing real flavor to kitchens worldwide making meals simpler, tastier, and more fun
Innovation Culture: Team of creators, learners, and doers shaping future of food
Equal Opportunity: Global equal opportunity employer offering top compensation & benefits
Growth Environment: Inclusive working environment with avenues for growth and learning
Industry Impact: Contributing towards growth of food industry worldwide
R&D Innovation Hub in Sharjah
Strategic Location: Sharjah – UAE innovation center for global food development
Leadership Role: Drive product development from concept to commercialization
International Exposure: Work with European and German market clients
Innovation Focus: Advanced food technologies and sustainable practices
Position Overview
This Senior Manager Research & Development role involves leading innovation initiatives at forefront of developing new products, enhancing formulations, and delivering customized food solutions. You will lead new product development for meat and poultry based functional ingredients, conduct sensory evaluations and ingredient functionality studies, collaborate with Sales and commercial teams understanding customer requirements, act as technical expert for international clients, drive process optimization initiatives improving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness, and ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and labeling standards.
Why This Role Matters: As Senior Manager R&D at Shan Foods, you lead innovation for global food brand bringing real flavor worldwide, shape future of food through advanced product development and formulation science, work with international markets including European and German clients, mentor R&D team fostering culture of innovation and continuous improvement, drive business growth through strategic product development aligned with commercial goals, and contribute to food industry advancement while advancing career in senior leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
New Product Development & Innovation
- Lead new product development (NPD) initiatives for meat and poultry based functional ingredients
- Develop seasonings, coatings, and marinades from concept to commercialization
- Develop and optimize product formulations enhancing taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life
- Identify and implement innovative ingredients, technologies, and sustainable practices
Technical Expertise & Client Collaboration
- Conduct sensory evaluations and ingredient functionality studies supporting product excellence
- Act as technical expert and key point of contact for international clients
- Collaborate with Sales and commercial teams to understand customer requirements
- Deliver tailored solutions for primarily German market and regional clients
Process Optimization & Quality
- Drive process optimization initiatives improving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into manufacturing
- Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and labeling standards (HACCP, GMP)
- Partner with Quality teams to maintain high product and process standards
Market Analysis & Consumer Insights
- Analyze market trends and consumer insights to guide product development strategies
- Lead consumer testing and sensory programs to validate product performance
- Align R&D initiatives with business goals and commercial strategies
- Drive product development based on market needs and consumer preferences
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentor and develop the R&D team fostering culture of innovation
- Promote continuous improvement and professional development across team
- Lead cross-functional collaboration for seamless project execution
- Build high-performing R&D team aligned with business objectives
External Partnerships & Technology
- Collaborate with suppliers and external research partners
- Explore advanced food technologies and emerging ingredients
- Leverage external expertise and resources for innovation initiatives
- Stay updated with cutting-edge food science developments globally
Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Food Technology (REQUIRED)
- Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field (PREFERRED)
- Advanced education in food innovation and product development advantageous
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 7+ years of R&D experience within meat or food industry (REQUIRED)
- Proven experience leading end-to-end product development projects
- Experience from concept to commercialization in food product development
- Background in senior R&D leadership or management roles preferred
Essential Technical Expertise
- Strong expertise in meat flavors, seasonings, coatings, and functional ingredients
- Deep knowledge of marinades, ingredient functionality, and formulation development
- Understanding of sensory science and consumer testing methodologies
- Knowledge of food safety and regulatory standards (HACCP, GMP, FDA/USDA preferred)
- Expertise in product optimization for taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life
International Market Experience
- Experience working with international markets
- Preferably European or German clients and market requirements
- Understanding of international food regulations and labeling standards
- Cross-cultural communication and client relationship management
Leadership & Management Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Proven leadership in mentoring and developing R&D teams
- Strong project management skills from ideation to launch
- Strategic thinking aligning R&D with business objectives
- Ability to collaborate across Sales, Quality, Production, and Commercial teams
Innovation & Strategic Capabilities
- Track record of successful NPD launches and product innovations
- Experience with process optimization and efficiency improvements
- Understanding of market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape
- Ability to identify and implement emerging technologies
- Strategic approach to sustainable practices and ingredient innovation
Professional Attributes
- Passion for food innovation and creating exceptional taste experiences
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Results-oriented with focus on commercial success
- Adaptability to work in dynamic, fast-paced global environment
- Collaborative mindset and ability to influence cross-functional teams
About Shan Foods Excellence
At Shan Foods, we get it – food isn’t just fuel, it’s connection, culture, and convenience. As global food brand, we’re bringing real flavor to kitchens worldwide and making meals simpler, tastier, and more fun. We’re more than just spices – we’re team of creators, learners, and doers. At Shan, you’ll grow, evolve and help shape what future of food looks & tastes like.
Shan Foods is global equal opportunity employer, offering top of the line compensation & benefits, inclusive working environment and avenues for growth. We believe in growing together and constantly learning from everyone around us. Our people are not only driving business, they are all contributing towards growth of food industry worldwide.
Global Innovation Leadership: Senior Manager R&D role with global food brand offering international exposure, advanced product development opportunities, and career advancement shaping future of food and taste experiences worldwide.
Who Should Apply?
- R&D Managers: With 7+ years experience in meat seasonings and functional ingredients development
- Food Science Leaders: From food industry seeking senior management role with global brand
- Product Development Directors: With NPD expertise and international market experience
- Innovation Specialists: Ready for senior R&D leadership driving formulation excellence
- Technical Managers: Looking to shape future of food with global food innovation leader
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