Food Technologist / Safety | Retail | Marks & Spencer | UAE

Al-Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A diversified regional business in Dubai is seeking an experienced Food Technologist to ensure compliance with food safety standards and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of experience in food safety and strong analytical skills, along with a degree in Food Technology or related fields. Commitment to food safety and regulatory adherence is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of local food safety regulations.
• Experience in audits and compliance management.

Responsibilities

• Drive KPI improvements report in governance.
• Ensure compliance with M&S and local food safety requirements.
• Oversee compliance with all in-country food safety regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Proactive risk identification

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree/Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, or related field

Job description

Job Requisition ID : 172287

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Job Purpose :

The Food Technologist is responsible for ensuring that all food products, facilities, and processes comply with Marks & Spencer (M&S) standards as well as quality checks and review for the food products. The role focuses on food safety governance, compliance, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of driving KPI improvements as reported in quarterly governance reviews (KPIs include but are not limited to complaints, store and depot audit results, and product testing results).
• Drive labelling compliance across the market in line with M&S and local regulations.
• Conduct horizon scanning to monitor and evaluate changes in food safety regulations impacting local manufacturing and ensure timely adaptation.
• Own and maintain food safety compliance across hospitality operations, including Product Process Guidelines (PPGs), cleaning procedures, and allergen management.
• Ensure local facilities meet both M&S and local food safety requirements in consultation with Technical Services Leads (TSL) and Food Technologists.
• Oversee operational processes to guarantee compliance with all in-country food safety regulations

Required Skills to be successful

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Proactive in identifying risks and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional working skills.

What equips you for the role

• Degree / Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or compliance within retail, hospitality, or FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of local food safety regulations and international best practices.
• Experience in audits, compliance management, and regulatory liaison.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and build relationships across multiple stakeholders.