Research Development Section Head📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Seara International is seeking a Research Development Section Head to join their team in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves planning, performing, and monitoring all activities related to research and development, design, and testing. The successful candidate will be responsible for incorporating new technologies, enhancing product value, and implementing cost reduction measures across the R&D function.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead the R&D team to organize, manage, control, and improve R&D function activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of production and customer needs, adhering to company operations and supply chain KPIs.
• Oversee employee development, engagement, and motivation within the R&D team.
• Determine and implement training plans based on job and business requirements, promoting best practices.
• Manage team performance by guiding, monitoring, addressing performance issues, and improving skill gaps.

Research and Development Operations

• Manage the entire research and development process, from product concept and prototype preparation to laboratory testing and final approval for investment.
• Assess requirements for new products based on market needs, collaborating with Sales & Marketing departments and selected customer samples.
• Improve the existing product range, keeping it updated with new trends in Food Processing technology, and phasing out obsolete products.
• Coordinate with relevant departments (*, Sales for promotion, Operations for formations and specifications, Purchasing for sourcing suppliers and procurement) to integrate developed products.
• Perform comprehensive review, verification, and validation for new products to ensure conformity to requirements and fitness for use.
• Oversee all activities related to laboratory testing, maintaining coordination between R&D, product design, testing, and validation.
• Oversee all Food Processing activities and keep laboratory facilities updated with the latest technology.
• Oversee design planning activities, manage, and coordinate work among various work groups.
• Establish product design reviews aimed at simplifying manufacturing operations, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling product standardization.

Strategic Planning and Compliance

• Participate in the design of strategic plans based on forecasts and the company's strategic direction.
• Provide support in short and long-term organizational planning and strategy pertaining to R&D, with a focus on new product development (NPDs).
• Lead budget preparation and adherence, with a strong focus on cost savings initiatives.
• Conduct regular analysis on actual spend versus budget and generate periodic reports.
• Ensure strict adherence to company policies as they pertain to R&D activities under control.
• Ensure effective communication of policies, procedures, and instructions within the R&D section.
• Submit periodical reports to management detailing the status of R&D progress and issue updates on new product trends to all concerned parties.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, or Veterinary fields.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Research & Development within the Food or FMCG industry.

Location and Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role requires dedicated on-site presence to manage and oversee all research and development activities effectively.