Divisional Product Development Manager

About the Company

Established in 1977, Almarai is recognized as the largest vertically integrated dairy and food & beverage manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it is the leading FMCG brand across GCC, Egypt, and Jordan. Over five decades, Almarai has grown sustainably, delivering nutritious and health-conscious products aligned with its core value: "Quality you can trust." Their diverse product portfolio includes dairy, juices, baked goods, poultry, infant formula, dates, fish, seafood, and bottled water, marketed under over 20 distinct brands including Premier Chef.

Role Overview

The Divisional Product Development Manager for Premier Chef will spearhead the full cycle of new product innovation and the refinement of existing items. This role entails ensuring the highest quality and innovative standards are upheld throughout project execution, guaranteeing commercial viability and success. Responsibilities include leading the journey from product concept inception to commercialization, crafting innovative recipes, evaluating new ingredients and technologies, and ensuring compliance with Almarai’s rigorous quality and safety benchmarks.

Collaboration & Cross-Functionality

The position requires working closely with diverse departments such as Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Supply Planning, Sales, and Marketing to effectively and efficiently introduce new product lines to the market.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Meat Science, Animal Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Additional credentials such as HACCP or quality management certifications are beneficial.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive product development experience specifically within the processed meat or protein sectors.
• Deep knowledge and command over protein science, product processing, marination techniques, ingredient functionality, and value-added meat product formulations.
• Technical adeptness with multiple product categories and complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience in applying scientific research methods, analyzing data, and overcoming technical obstacles.
• Track record of successfully launching new meat or protein products and guiding concepts through to market entry.
• Understanding of food industry regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.

Why Join

If you are driven by innovation, process optimization, and making impactful contributions within a dynamic and fast-growing food manufacturing context, this opportunity offers a challenging and rewarding environment.