HEAD OF PRODUCTION

Furchild; Dubai; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet-centric culture

Fast-growing startup

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Growth opportunities

Job summary

The Furchild, a UAE-based leader in fresh, human-grade pet food, seeks a Head of Production to oversee operations, procurement, and quality. You will drive strategic planning, cost control, and a high-performance team to maintain top quality and regulatory compliance.

As the head of production, you will manage production planning, procurement, and packaging innovations while advancing efficiency and profitability in a fast-growing startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Food Science, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior management role within the meat processing or food production industry.
• Strong understanding of meat processing technology, supply chain management, and quality control standards.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and managing complex operations.
• Deep knowledge of UAE food safety regulations, labor laws, and market dynamics.
• Excellent financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, solve problems effectively, and make sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal production efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Set up and manage an efficient supply chain from procurement to distribution; monitor and improve processes.
• Develop and execute business strategies; analyze market trends and competitive landscape.
• Ensure compliance with UAE food safety regulations and international quality standards; manage budgets and cost control.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team with a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders; collaborate with sales/marketing.
• Oversee plant and asset management, maintenance, and equipment upgrades.
• Oversee compliance inspections and implement corrective measures for non-compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Supply chain management

Quality control

Budgeting

Team development

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

MBA (preferred)

Job description

At The Furchild, we are on a mission to transform the pet food industry. We create fresh, human-grade pet food, tailored to the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats. Since 2016, we’ve become the leading natural pet food subscription service in the UAE, delivering directly to our customers’ doors and helping pets live their healthiest, happiest lives.

What You’ll Love About Us

• Pet-centric culture: We don’t just love pets – we live for them. If you’re passionate about animals, you’ll fit right in.
• Fast-growing startup: Be part of an exciting, innovative company disrupting the $90 billion global pet food industry.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace: We provide equal opportunity and foster a workplace where everyone is embraced without regard to gender identity, race, nationality, or any other characteristic.
• Growth opportunities: We’re expanding fast, and we want you to grow with us.

Founded by passionate pet lovers, we’re now one of the fastest-growing startups in the UAE, with ambitious plans for the years ahead. We’re looking for a Head of Production to join our team and help us shape the future of the pet food industry.

Job Description

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal production efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Implement and monitor operational processes to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Set up and manage an efficient supply chain, from procurement of raw materials to distribution of finished products.
• Perform continuous monitoring and improvement to the supply chain processes.
• Implement Cost Control and Quality improvements across the procurement and supply chain activities, materials and services.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute business strategies to achieve company goals and objectives.
• Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape to inform decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to expand product lines, enter new markets, and enhance the company's competitive position.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UAE food safety regulations and international quality standards.
• Implement rigorous quality control processes throughout the production cycle.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Prepare and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations while maximizing profitability.
• Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaborate with finance teams to manage pricing, cost control, and financial reporting.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular reviews, and implement training programs.
• Promote a safe and inclusive work environment, addressing employee concerns and enhancing job satisfaction.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to develop and execute strategies to increase market share.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and in negotiations with partners.
• Drive innovation in production processes, product development, and operational practices.
• Implement and leverage technology to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Lead the team in reviewing and improving packaging design in line with innovations in the industry and identifying cost efficiencies.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and integrate best practices into operations.
• Lead and monitor the R&D team at the factory.

Plant and Asset Management

• Ensure factory building, production machinery and plant equipment are operated and maintained within recommended parameters.
• Identify machinery, kits and equipment to innovate or improve existing processes.
• Develop & monitor access controls to the facility and implement controls for movement of people and product to, from and within the facility.

Compliance Oversight

• Oversee compliance and inspections from Dubai Municipality, Free Zone Authority, Government Agencies and compliance with ISO standards.
• Lead the preparation and execution of internal compliance monitoring programs.
• Implement corrective measures as and when non-compliance is identified.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior management role within the meat processing or food production industry.
• Strong understanding of meat processing technology, supply chain management, and quality control standards.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and managing complex operations.
• Deep knowledge of UAE food safety regulations, labor laws, and market dynamics.
• Excellent financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, solve problems effectively, and make sound decisions.

Additional Information

We’re not just feeding pets – we’re changing the way people care for them. At The Furchild, our work is driven by a shared love for animals and a commitment to making a real difference in their lives. When you join us, you’re part of something bigger – a company that values innovation, customer satisfaction, and most importantly, the health of pets.