New Product Development Director

Americana Restaurants; Sharjah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in Sharjah is seeking a highly experienced professional to support KFC and Americana brands in new menu development and innovation strategies. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years in product development for large QSR chains and possess strong project management skills. Responsibilities include leading innovative initiatives and collaborating with marketing teams. The role requires excellent communication abilities and a proven track record in food product launch.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience developing and launching new food products for large QSR chain.
• Minimum 5 years experience leading a team in NPD role.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for innovation and propose strategic projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies and initiatives.
• Partner with Americana brand marketing teams to lead the new product development process.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Project management skills

Critical thinking

Organization and prioritization

Education

Food science or related food technical degree

Job description

Job Purpose

To support mainly KFC, and Americana brands for new menu development, innovation strategy, presentation, marketing research, and timelines. This involves identifying opportunities for innovation, leading research and development initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation within the company.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for innovation and propose strategic projects
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies and initiatives
• Manage and collaborate with marketing team for market research
• Develop business cases for new ideas and present them to the management
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for innovative projects
• Coordinate with external partners and stakeholders to promote innovation
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry
• Evaluate the success of innovation projects and make necessary adjustments
• Partner with Americana brand marketing teams to lead the new product development process for Americana brands

Experience

• Minimum 10 yrs experience developing and launching new food products for large QSR chain
• Minimum 5 yrs experience leading a team in NPD role
• Food science or related food technical degree
• Demonstrated project management skills

Preferred Experience and Qualification

• Both culinary and food science degrees
• Experience with fried chicken QSR new product development
• Experience working in GCC markets

Key Abilities

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to comfortably and confidently present to and update Senior Management team and Board of Directors
• Prioritization and organization
• Critical thinking
• Global mindset