R&D Manager - Frozen

Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Co.; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an R&D Manager for Frozen products. This role involves applying scientific principles to innovate and improve ice cream production methods. You will collaborate with various departments to develop new products, optimize existing recipes, and ensure safety and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the ice cream sector, strong dairy knowledge, and exceptional communication skills. Join a forward-thinking company where your expertise will drive product excellence and innovation in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in the ice cream industry, focusing on innovation.
• Fluent in English; Arabic knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development and recipe optimization for frozen products.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.

Skills

Teamwork

Dairy Knowledge

Conflict Solving

Presentation Skills

Communication Skills

Adaptation to Change

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food & Dairy

Master's degree in Food & Dairy

Job description

R&D Manager - Frozen

Job Description

Purpose of the job

To apply principles of bacteriology, chemistry, physics, engineering and economics in order to develop new and improved methods in production, preservation and utilization of ice cream and other frozen products.

Key Accountabilities

1. New Product Development
   Support the business by ensuring on-time delivery for agreed briefs & projects regarding new product development or recipe optimization. Research current consumer markets and latest technologies to develop new product concepts (together with Marketing). Run trials of new products - either alongside or together with product development. Develop suitable links with suppliers and other experts to drive projects forward. Coordinate and manage together with other related departments the development of new products from concept to sales. Monitor the implementation of new products together with related departments in the company.
2. Raw Materials, Existing Product Support & Recipe Optimization
   Have a continuous improvement approach by optimizing existing production processes in order to increase production efficiency. Modify existing products and processes and develop new ones aligned and directed by business needs. Check and improve safety and quality control procedures in our own and suppliers' factories, from the raw material stage through to the finished product (together with quality). Select raw materials and other ingredients from suppliers (together with purchasing). Audit suppliers or manage internal audits. Run trials of new products - either alongside or together with product development. Compile, check and approve product specifications and labelling. Liaise with technical and commercial colleagues in procurement, sales, technical services and marketing and distribution, and with official food inspection and hygiene agencies. Adaptation and improvement of the existing product in the market, either by market demand or by legislative requirements. Define/Redefine the finished product specifications.
3. Safety, Health & Environment
   Ensure a clean and safe work area and potential risks are communicated for corrective action in order to follow the company’s health and safety policy. Follow company Health & Safety & Environment protocols and procedures.
4. Quality Assurance
   Work closely with Quality Control department to ensure all relevant ingredients (existing and new) are compliant with the company standards. Keep up to date and optimized existing product recipes. Keep up to date and optimized existing Finished Product Specifications. Keep up to date and optimized existing Raw Material Specifications. Together with the concerned departments, develop and keep up to date product labels, with its relevant information (ingredients, nutritional facts, claims, etc.).

Skills

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor/ Masters degree in Food & Dairy field.
Experience: Minimum 8 to 10 years in the ice cream industry leading innovations on extruded, molded types of ice creams. Ideally on frozen yogurts.
Languages: Fluent in English (spoken, reading and writing), knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not essential.

Job Competencies

Ability to work in a team is critical. Strong Dairy knowledge. Ability to work with full autonomy. Able to work in a cross-functional and multi-cultural environment. Conflict solving skills. Adaptation to change. Excellent presentation skills. Well-developed and effective communication skills: writing, reporting and verbal. Can manage multiple priorities at one time. Ability to work under pressure and handle deadlines. Commitment to strong work ethics, integrity and honesty.

Job Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Job Role: Marketing and PR

Years of Experience: Min: 8 Max: 10