Senior Research and Development Manager

About Baladna Food Industries

Baladna Food Industries is a fully Qatari-owned enterprise and ranks among the largest livestock and dairy farms across the GCC and Middle East. Situated north of Doha, it spans an area of 2.4 million square meters and supports the care of up to 24,000 cattle in an environment designed to promote animal welfare and optimum productivity. The company offers a broad array of fresh, premium-quality dairy products focusing on nutritional excellence and stable daily milk output. The farm also serves as a public destination featuring cutting-edge rotary milking systems, a dining restaurant, manicured gardens, children's play zones, and a petting zoo, providing an informative and enjoyable farm experience.

Role Overview

The Senior Research and Development Manager position at Baladna is a full-time, on-premises role based in Qatar. The successful candidate will lead the creation, enhancement, and commercialization of dairy and related food items. Their responsibilities include overseeing R&D initiatives, managing laboratory and pilot plant operations, coordinating product testing, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Collaboration with multiple departments such as production, quality assurance, marketing, and supply chain is essential to optimize formulations, prolong shelf life, improve taste and texture, and address emerging market demands. Additionally, this role involves defining R&D priorities, mentoring personnel, handling budgets, and delivering comprehensive reports and presentations to senior leadership to aid strategic planning and foster continuous innovation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Profound knowledge in food science, dairy technology, or closely related fields, with hands-on experience in product formulation, process development, and scale-up activities.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including team management, mentoring, and effective cross-functional coordination.
• Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and research methods pertinent to food and dairy product development.
• Well-versed in quality assurance procedures, food safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the dairy and FMCG industries.
• Capacity to handle several R&D projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks efficiently, and meet deadlines within budget constraints.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to compose detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations for various audiences.
• Experience within large-scale farm operations, dairy processing, or food manufacturing environments is highly advantageous.
• Possession of a Master’s degree or higher in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or allied areas; significant applicable experience may substitute formal education.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving proficiency, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to fostering innovation.