Food Development Manager - Central Production Facility - UAE

Job no: 4095256
Location: UAE
Dubai Industrial City

CPF

Alshaya\'s Central Production Facility (CPF) in Kuwait currently employs more than 150 people and manufactures food products for brands such as Starbucks. Now is an exciting time to join CPF as they embark on plan to improve, innovate and build additional revenue streams.

The Role:

The Food Development Manager enhances and develops existing and future menu and product lines of Alshaya Food Division\'s various brands and external customer base. Combine innovation, creative ideas, and exceptional kitchen capabilities in developing products with a commercial understanding of what will be profitable to the business and the customer/end customer

Key Performance Area:

• Manage the development of products from idea generation to distribution in the marketplace.
• Evaluate opportunities within the market and based on product portfolio to develop new concepts
• Oversee coordination of concept art and sample creation, securing approvals during the process, and finalizing all products and packaging prior to launch.
• Manage and maintain a range of documentation: products\' brief, costing, assembly manual, product specifications, etc
• Communicate with brands about the different stages of product development and the length of the process
• To ensure consistency in food quality meets or exceeds the brand\'s standards of excellence
• Manage multiple projects within established timelines
• Ensure communication between the brand and CPF regarding new product development and consider and represent the best interests of both sides
• Ensure all duties are carried out in line with brand mission statements, company policies and procedures, contracts and market guidelines
• Ensure that Production Managers are informed of the new brand\'s standards, requirements, policies, and product characteristics
• Identify core training/competency requirements for production pre-launch
• Assess the performance of the different areas of the production floor and identify where new processes can be elaborated for product development
• Search/evaluate new ingredients in order to improve the cost and/or quality of the products
• Drive cost savings through efficient use of resources at disposal and coordinate food procurement to gain economies of scale
• Identify new opportunities, whilst applying market knowledge to evaluate the commercial viability of new products and ensure it is of value for the business
• Cultivate a strong relationship with retail customers to ensure the company stays ahead of competitors
• Design, install, and commission a new production plant
• Provide solutions for environmental and food safety considerations, especially in production line design
• Ensure the site holds the necessary equipment and structure for the development and production of goods
• Oversee the launch of new products
• Track effects of improvement projects and report on progress
• Carry out equipment and material trials and ensure all settings and procedures are documented in accordance with site and brand procedures
• Maintain and improve current knowledge of any new industry, products, innovations, techniques and equipment development
• Standardize and oversee the menu and recipe development in brands where there is no host brand mandate
• Ensure all culinary standards in all sections comply with company policies and procedures and are stated in the department work instructions
• Ensures all hazards have been assessed with completion of risk assessments
• Establish food processes for teams that are safe and that do not jeopardize the quality of products
• Attend weekly NPD meetings and contribute with any adjustments or additional information needed
• Review improvement project process weekly
• Effect a detailed shift handover with the designated deputy in the case of absence
• Work closely with support functions (QA, QC, Marketing, Logistics, Maintenance) so as to identify resources and support required in launching new products
• Maintain clear records of each brand\'s know-how by establishing the particular food offer and the best practice
• Assisting in the budget setting, including food cost, kitchen manning and kitchen investment for each site
• Responsible for functional budget, including: \xef\x82\xa7 Equipment \xef\x82\xa7 Any other budgeted figures to agreed amount
• Responsible at all times for ensuring optimum customer service in terms of quality, quantity and punctuality
• Responsible for ensuring an attainable new production development and launch, in terms of labor, time frame and budget

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor\'s Degree / Hotel Management degree/ Food Science Degree.
• Experience in the food manufacturing field.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of manufacturing experience & 7 to 10 years of experience in casual dining/fine dining or catering operations.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Good strong communication skills.
• Experience in modern manufacturing
• Good strong leadership & negotiation skills
• Good strong presentation skills.
• Good strong planning, organizing & autonomous decision-making skills.
• Computer literate.

About Us:

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned enterprise which was first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world\'s leading brand franchise operators, offering customers an unparalleled choice of well-loved international brands, including: Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, Cos, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang\'s, The Cheesecake Factory, The Body Shop, M.A.C, Victoria\'s Secret, Boots, Vavavoom, Pottery Barn and KidZania.

Alshaya Group\'s portfolio extends across MENA, Russia, Turkey, and Europe, with thousands of stores, cafes, restaurants and leisure destinations, as well as a growing online and digital business.

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Leisure & Entertainment, Alshaya Group colleagues are united by a commitment to delivering great customer service and brand experiences.

Fresh, modern, and relevant, Alshaya\'s constantly evolving retail portfolio reflects the choices and lifestyle of its customers. From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the brands they love in the places they want to be.

Advertised: 09 Oct 2023 Arabian Standard Time
Application close: 08 Nov 2023 Arabian Standard Time

Alshaya Group