Role Purpose The R&D Process Engineering Manager is responsible for developing, scaling, and industrializing innovative food processes across the MENAI region for biscuits and chocolate. This role sits squarely within R&D and is accountable for process design, validation, and technology transfer that enable innovation platforms to move from concept to commercialization safely, robustly, and at scale. The role acts as the regional R&D process expert, partnering with Product Development to influence product and process design early, and working closely with factories and external manufacturers to deliver first‑time‑right launches.
Key Responsibilities1. Innovation Process Development & Scale-UpDevelop and implement innovative manufacturing processes to enable new products, formats, and platforms. Influence product, process, and equipment design through early R&D engagement. Design, plan, and execute lab, pilot, and factory trials to validate process feasibility and robustness. Apply experimentation, modeling, and data analysis to optimize processing parameters and resolve technical challenges.2. Process Design, URSs & Capital Enablement Lead R&D ownership of User Requirement Specifications (URSs) for new lines, equipment, and major process upgrades. Translate consumer and product requirements into process and equipment needs. Partner with Engineering, OEMs, and internal teams during design, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and capability assessments. Ensure new technologies are fit for purpose and scalable across MENAI.3. Technology Transfer & Line Transfers (R&D Ownership) Lead R&D process input into product and line transfers across MENAI manufacturing sites. Develop and deploy structured technology transfer packages (process maps, critical parameters, control strategies). Support factory trials, start-ups, and early production to ensure process stability and product integrity. Capture learnings and improve platform scalability.4. External Manufacturing & Co-Manufacturer Validation Lead R&D process validation of external / co‑manufacturing partners. Assess equipment capability, process fit, and technical risks versus product requirements. Support trial execution, validation, and onboarding of new partners. Act as R&D process interface with Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and external stakeholders.5. Regional Collaboration & Capability Building Work closely with Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Procurement. Provide regional R&D process expertise across MENAI projects. Share best practices, standards, and learnings across factories and platforms. Contribute to global R&D process networks and communities of practice.
Qualifications & Experience7–12 years experience in R&D Process Engineering within FMCG food manufacturing (biscuits / chocolate strongly preferred). Proven experience enabling innovation scale up, including: Process development and validation URSs and capital projects Technology and line transfers External manufacturing partnerships Strong foundation in food processing science and equipment. Degree in Food Engineering, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Comfortable working between lab, pilot, and factory environments. International / regional experience strongly preferred.