Product Development Manager - Technical

Our client in the FMCG industry is seeking a talented Development Manager -Technical to join their team in Kuwait. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development, focusing on creating innovative products and ensuring quality standards. This position offers the opportunity to lead product initiatives and contribute to the strategic growth of the brand in a competitive market.

Responsibilities: 

Product Development and Quality Assurance

• Oversee the development of new products and the re-engineering of existing products, ensuring compliance with quality standards.

  
  

• Conduct product testing and evaluation to verify that new products meet company specifications.

  
  

• Formulate ingredient and process recipes, preparing technical specifications and product declarations.

  
  

Supplier Engagement and Innovation

• Build relationships with suppliers to explore new ingredients and technologies for product development.

  
  

• Conduct laboratory-scale trials and supervise pilot plant trials, ensuring proper execution and documentation.

  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Production, and QA/QC teams to align on product development objectives and timelines.

  
  

• Lead troubleshooting exercises for product-related issues, ensuring effective communication across teams.

  
  

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Develop annual sales plans and budgets aligned with business objectives, tracking performance against key metrics.

  
  

• Identify growth opportunities and set investment and ROI targets based on market analysis and consumer trends.

  
  

Team Leadership and Development

• Direct and supervise the sales team, providing guidance and support to achieve planned business objectives.

  
  

• Foster teamwork and cooperation, creating an environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

  
  

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in product development within the FMCG or food industry.

  
  

• Strong understanding of the dairy and food industry, with the ability to stay updated on the latest trends in food science and technology.

  
  

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills, with a proven track record of successful product launches.

  
  

• Familiarity with compliance regulations and quality assurance processes relevant to product development.

  
  

• Strong communication skills in English, with proficiency in local languages preferred.

  
  

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects effectively, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals.