F&B Product Development Chef

About the role

The F&B Product Development Chef will lead ADNOC C‑Store’s food innovation agenda, driving private‑label product creation from concept to launch. Reporting to senior culinary leadership, the role ensures that new offerings meet strategic, regulatory, and profitability goals while adhering to UAE food‑safety and Halal standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end development of new food products using a structured Stage‑Gate methodology.
• Create scalable recipes, formulations, and specifications for commissary and in‑store execution.
• Conduct product testing, sensory validation, and ensure consistency before market launch.
• Define preparation standards, process flows, and handling requirements across store formats.
• Identify innovation opportunities based on market trends and customer preferences.
• Execute private‑label product development aligned with the Category Manager’s strategy, including formulation, bill of materials, packaging, and technical requirements.
• Manage supplier collaborations for trials, technical validation, and production readiness.
• Oversee packaging design, labeling compliance with UAE regulations, allergens, and nutrition information.
• Drive value‑engineering initiatives to optimise cost while maintaining quality.
• Govern the culinary innovation pipeline, prioritising projects and tracking milestones.

Required profile

• Strategic and senior culinary leader with extensive experience in food product development.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional teams and supplier partnerships.
• Strong understanding of UAE food regulations, safety, and Halal compliance.
• Experience scaling recipes for both central commissary and individual store environments.

Required skills

• Product Development
• Menu Engineering
• Private Label Product Development
• UAE Food Regulations
• Culinary Innovation