Career Opportunities: Divisional Product Development Manager (86853)

Divisional Product Development Manager – Drive Innovation and Growth at Almarai

Are you a strategic visionary with a passion for shaping the future of food and dairy products? Almarai, a global leader in food and dairy innovation, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Divisional Product Development Manager to lead our cutting-edge product development initiatives in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role will allow you to collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive market-leading innovations, and deliver high-impact solutions that align with our commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction.

As the Divisional Product Development Manager, you will play a key role in steering Almarai’s product pipeline, ensuring that our offerings remain at the forefront of industry trends while meeting the evolving needs of our diverse customer base. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, globally recognized organization where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of the food and dairy sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a robust product development strategy that aligns with Almarai’s long-term business objectives and market demands. Drive innovation through data-driven insights and consumer-centric approaches.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, marketing, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development, from concept to market launch. Facilitate collaboration to accelerate time-to-market for new and improved products.
• Market and Consumer Insights: Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, competitor benchmarks, and consumer preferences. Translate these insights into actionable product development roadmaps.
• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all product developments adhere to stringent regulatory standards, food safety protocols, and Almarai’s quality benchmarks. Oversee compliance with local and international food safety regulations.
• Innovation and Technology Integration: Leverage advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance product development processes. Stay abreast of industry advancements in food science, sustainability, and consumer health trends.
• Performance Metrics and KPIs: Define and track key performance indicators to measure the success of product launches, including market adoption, sales performance, and customer feedback.
• Team Development: Mentor and lead a high-performing product development team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Agricultural Science, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or advanced certification in a relevant discipline is a significant advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in product development, with a strong track record in leading successful product launches in the food or dairy industry. Experience in a managerial or leadership role is essential.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of food processing technologies, product formulation, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life optimization. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as ISO, HACCP, and local Saudi food safety standards.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to drive change and inspire teams to deliver innovative solutions under tight deadlines.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong awareness of global food industry trends, consumer behavior, and sustainability practices. Experience in a multinational corporate environment is highly desirable.

Why Join Almarai?

Join Almarai and be part of a legacy that spans over five decades of excellence in the food and dairy sector. As a Divisional Product Development Manager, you will:

• Contribute to the development of world-class products that set industry standards.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven environment.
• Leverage cutting-edge facilities and resources to drive impactful product innovations.
• Benefit from a competitive compensation package, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values work-life balance.
• Play a role in enhancing food security and sustainability on a global scale.

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of food. If you are passionate about innovation, leadership, and delivering excellence, we invite you to take the next step in your career with Almarai.

Location: On-site in Saudi Arabia