Product Development Manager

Agthia Group PJSC; Al Wathbah; On-site; AED 380,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Agthia Group PJSC in Abu Dhabi seeks a Product Development Manager to lead the company's product development strategy, manage the R&D team, and drive innovation from concept to commercialization. You will balance speed to market with product profitability, partner with suppliers, contract manufacturers, universities, and technology partners to accelerate innovation and ensure commercial success.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in beverage manufacturing, a master's in food science

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in beverage manufacturing with leadership experience.
• Master's degree in food science or food technology required.
• Proven track record in leading R&D and product development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD/R&D strategy and roadmap for beverage products.
• Manage and develop the R&D team to deliver high-quality products from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to accelerate innovation and market launch.

Skills

Leadership

R&D Management

Product Development

P&L Awareness

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Project Management

Innovation

Education

Master's degree in Food Science/Technology

Job description

Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Position Type: Full Time

Department: R&D

What Will Your Day Look Like?

The Product Development Manager leads the company's product development strategy by managing the R&D team and driving innovation from concept through commercialization. The role is accountable for delivering high-quality, commercially successful products, maintaining a strong innovation pipeline, and ensuring technical excellence across all development activities.

The Product Development Manager inspires and develops the R&D team by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, agility, and a strong sense of urgency. Combining scientific expertise with commercial acumen, the role makes informed decisions based on product profitability (P&L), balancing speed to market.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Product Development Manager ensures the successful execution of development projects while building strategic partnerships with suppliers, contract manufacturers (co-manufacturers), innovation institutes, universities, and technology partners to accelerate innovation and support the company's growth and competitive advantage.

How Will You Make an Impact?

• Develop and implement the roadmap for the NPD (New Product Development)
• Collaborating with multiple BU-led managers to fully develop NPD business plans.
• Oversee the launch of new products to ensure successful market introduction
• Identify market trends, and emerging ingredients to drive product innovation.
• Manage the product development pipeline, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Monitor competitor products and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation.

Innovation Strategy for NPD

• Build and manage an innovation pipeline aligned with strategic business priorities.
• Prioritize innovation projects based on market potential, feasibility, strategic fit, and return on investment.
• Measure innovation performance using key metrics such as innovation pipeline health, speed-to-market, product launch success, and revenue generated from new products.

Leadership, Coaching & Mentoring

• Mentor and guide the team and help them realize their potential. Actively support the team members in defining their growth agenda and help them in the implementation of the same (As required)
• Conduct periodic performance reviews and provide developmental inputs as required

Other Activities

• Prepare and present inputs related to category / project budgets (resource requirements) and manage / control overall financial performance of the Risk and Corporate Governance function by monitoring actual cost against budgets

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity the beverage manufacturing industry.
• Strong background in beverage manufacturing operations and product development is required.
• A master's degree in food science or food technology.