Research and Development Technologist

R&D TechnologistDubai, Jebel Ali Free ZoneThe R&D Technologist will be responsible for managing strategic customer accounts across the Middle East region, ensuring alignment with business goals and delivering long-term value. This role involves leading the development and application of savoury snack seasonings in response to customer briefs and innovation strategies. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to oversee projects from initial concept through scale-up, trials, and final commercialization.Additionally, the R&D Technologist will maintain strong customer relationships by providing ongoing technical support, contributing to both the retention of existing business and the identification and development of new opportunities.MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop snack seasoning inline with customer briefs, specifications and requirements. Manage application part and present the newly developed products to the customers.Accountable for the new product development (NPD), product match and reformulation projects within the seasoning category.Continuously improve existing products by modifying /replacing / introducing ingredients thereby enhancing overall performance.Reduce the cost of existing products by identifying cost-effective ingredient alternatives and optimizing raw material usage—without compromising product quality.Attend production trials internally and / customer site and provide technical guidance wherever applicable.Attend supplier presentations, internal meetings, as well as meetings and conferences with customers.Keeping up to date with market trends and emerging technologies, integrating relevant innovations into development projects to maintain competitive advantage.Maintain highest standards of food hygiene and safety throughout the project phases.Maintain awareness and keep up to date with current food legislation.Support technical department functions, including hygiene checks and internal audits, as needed.Help to develop NPD trainee technologist and NPD technician by sharing expertise and fostering skill development.Other ad hoc duties as appropriate, in line with business requirements.CANDIDATE PROFILERelevant experience within the R&D preferably in the savoury snack category.Graduate / Postgraduate level preferably from Food Science or similar.Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative.Assertive and able to communicate efficiently to various levels within the organisation.Computer skills – Word, Excel, PowerPoint.Ability to work under pressure and on short deadlines.Effective time management and organisational skills.Ability to work as part of a team or individually (ability to use own initiative).General numerical and problem-solving skills (logical approach to problems).Ability to work cross-functionally within the team and show adaptability.Ability to multitask and be detail oriented.COMPANY At McCormick, we bring our passion for flavor to work each day. We encourage growth, respect everyone's contributions and do what's right for our business, our people, our communities and our planet. Join us on our quest to make every meal and moment better.Founded in Baltimore, MD in 1889 in a room and a cellar by 25-year-old Willoughby McCormick with three employees, McCormick is a global leader in flavour. With over 14,000 employees around the world and more than $6 Billion in annual sales., the Company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavourful products to the entire food industry, retail outlets, food manufactures, food service businesses and consumers.While our global headquarters are in the Baltimore, Maryland, USA area, McCormick operates and serves customers from nearly 50 locations in 27 countries and 135 markets in Asia-Pacific, China, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and the Americas, including North, South and Central America with recognized brands including Schwartz Herbs, Giotti, Spices & Seasonings, French’s American Mustard, Franks Hot Sauce, Cholula Hot Sauce & Herdez our Authentic Mexican range.At McCormick, we have over a 100-year legacy based on our “Power of People” principle. This principle fosters an unusually dedicated workforce requiring a culture of respect, recognition, inclusion and collaboration based on the highest ethical values.Agencies: McCormick as needed will work with external recruitment vendors through our Agency Portal. Unless previously contacted, McCormick does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies.McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.