Research and Development Manager

Role overview

The Research and Development Manager will steer the full supplier-development cycle for both new menu concepts and existing products. This position is accountable for making sure every product fits the brand direction, customer insights, operational practicality, food safety requirements, and business goals. The role has a major influence on product consistency across Americana brands and markets, with responsibility for development, commercialization, cost management, and regional execution. It works closely with brand leaders, Quality Assurance, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, and franchisors, and reports to the Director of Food Technology & Commercialization.

Key responsibilities

• Source, assess, and bring on board new ingredient and product suppliers to support innovation and product development.
• Strengthen supplier capabilities across ingredient creation, process enhancements, and scalability for rollout across regions and markets.
• Develop durable supplier relationships and track performance over time, with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
• Create and uphold ingredient standards, process parameters, and packaging needs while ensuring alignment among all involved teams.
• Convert product ideas into production-ready specifications and confirm suppliers are prepared for trials, testing, and full manufacturing.
• Assist with plant trials, early production batches, and resolution of product or process challenges during commercialization.
• Plan and coordinate product trials, kitchen tests, sensory assessments, and consumer research to confirm product quality and consistency.
• Support consistent product delivery across restaurant operations.
• Develop commercial business cases, including costing, margin analysis, and pricing inputs, while supporting cost improvements through value engineering and process optimisation.
• Contribute to innovation planning, including annual calendars and long-range product roadmaps, and help build the pipeline using market and consumer intelligence.
• Track product outcomes and suggest improvements based on data-led insights.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including KFC and Yum! Brands standards.
• Oversee product specifications, ingredient approvals, and supplier compliance while ensuring documentation and traceability are in place.
• Spot and reduce risks tied to supplier capability, product quality, and production schedules.
• Run several NPD projects at the same time while meeting deadlines and budget limits.
• Balance customer expectations, brand standards, operational feasibility, and cost targets.
• Prepare senior-level presentations and status updates.
• Work across Marketing, Brand, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Finance, and Supply Chain, and liaise with external suppliers, vendors, franchisors, and chefs.
• Perform effectively in a fast-moving, high-volume QSR setting with frequent innovation cycles.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. A master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Business/Innovation is considered an advantage. The ideal candidate brings 5–8+ years of experience in food product development, supplier development, New Product Development (NPD), and food R&D or food technology environments. Strong exposure to Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), food manufacturing, FMCG food production, food technology/food science, or central kitchen/food processing operations is important. Experience working with cross-functional teams and outside suppliers across multiple markets is expected, and multi-brand or multi-market exposure is a plus. Certifications such as HACCP, ISO 22000, Certified Food Scientist (CFS), Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor (CFSQA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and sensory evaluation or product testing credentials are preferred.

Skills and competencies

• Product development and commercialization
• Project management and multi-task coordination
• Costing, pricing, and margin analysis
• Food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making
• Problem solving and risk evaluation
• Stakeholder communication and collaboration
• Working in fast-paced, high-volume environments
• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset

Additional information

This role is based in Sharjah, Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates and is a full-time onsite position. No stipend or salary details were provided. No specific number of openings, start date, application deadline, or eligibility restrictions were mentioned.