A leading catering company in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently seeking a highly experienced and innovative Food Technology Manager to join its growing technical leadership team. This senior-level role is ideal for professionals with strong expertise in food processing technology, food engineering, product development, and food safety management systems within the FMCG, catering, or hospitality sectors.
The Food Technology Manager will play a critical role in leading the design, development, and optimization of food processing technologies and production systems across the organization. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, product innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and regulatory compliance while ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality assurance, and process optimization.
This position is particularly suited for professionals who are passionate about innovation in food production, sustainable food processing, and continuous improvement in large-scale catering or food manufacturing environments.
Job Responsibilities
The Food Technology Manager will be responsible for overseeing multiple aspects of food production technology, quality management, and process engineering within the catering operation.
- Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of food processing technologies to improve production efficiency, product consistency, and operational performance.
- Evaluate and enhance food processing systems, including cooking, chilling, freezing, packaging, and storage processes.
- Apply principles of food engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics to improve production workflows.
- Drive process innovation and technology adoption to increase productivity while maintaining product integrity.
Product Development & Process Scale-Up
- Manage the scale-up of food processing operations from pilot trials to full commercial production.
- Collaborate with R&D teams to develop new food products, recipes, and processing methods suitable for large-scale catering operations.
- Conduct technical feasibility studies, product trials, and shelf-life evaluations.
- Ensure consistent product quality across high-volume production environments.
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Implement and maintain food safety management systems (FSMS) aligned with HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and UAE regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations, Dubai Municipality or UAE food safety standards, and international food safety guidelines.
- Work closely with the quality assurance and quality control teams to monitor food safety risks, microbiological hazards, and contamination prevention.
- Conduct internal audits, review corrective actions, and maintain food safety documentation.
Team Leadership & Technical Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of food technologists, food engineers, and quality professionals.
- Provide technical guidance and support for production, quality control, and product innovation teams.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and food safety awareness across the organization.
- Support cross-functional collaboration between production, procurement, operations, and quality departments.
Cost Control & Operational Efficiency
- Participate in budget planning, cost optimization strategies, and capital investment planning for food processing equipment and technology upgrades.
- Identify opportunities to reduce production costs, minimize food waste, and improve resource utilization.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, product quality, and operational performance.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Stay updated with the latest food processing technologies, automation systems, and food industry trends.
- Introduce innovative processing solutions that improve product quality, shelf-life, and operational efficiency.
- Support sustainability initiatives related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable food production practices.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Professional certifications in Food Safety, HACCP, or Quality Management Systems are considered an advantage.
- Additional training in food processing technology, production engineering, or quality management will be beneficial.
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in food processing, food engineering, or food technology roles within the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) or CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry.
- Proven experience managing technical teams, large-scale production processes, and cross-functional projects.
- Strong background in process scale-up, food manufacturing operations, and product development.
- Experience in aviation catering, large-scale event catering, hospitality catering services, or industrial food production will be highly advantageous.
Technical Skills -Food Technologist
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical and analytical expertise in food processing and engineering.
- In-depth knowledge of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, thermodynamics, freezing, refrigeration, and food preservation technologies.
- Strong understanding of food science, food microbiology, food safety standards, and hygiene practices.
- Experience with food processing equipment, industrial cooking systems, blast chillers, freezing technologies, and automated production systems.
- Excellent data analysis, problem-solving, and process optimization skills.
- Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously.
Food Technology job in Abu Dhabi -Skills
- Innovative and solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Strong attention to detail and regulatory compliance awareness.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and team collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced catering or food production environments.
- Strong decision-making and strategic planning capabilities.