Botanical Extract Development Manager – Middle East Applications

Botanical Extract Development Manager – Middle East Applications

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full-timeWorkplace: Hybrid / R&D & Customer-facingRegional Scope: UAE | Saudi Arabia | GCCPalomba General Trading LLC is seeking a Botanical Extract Development Manager to identify, develop and adapt botanical extracts specifically for Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, Functional Food and selected Cosmetic applications in Middle Eastern markets.The objective is not simply to introduce existing European botanical extracts into the GCC.We are looking for someone capable of understanding what Middle Eastern manufacturers actually need and working with producers, laboratories and customers to develop extracts that are technically, sensorially and commercially suitable for the region.Core MissionThe successful candidate will help answer questions such as:Which botanicals have the strongest potential in GCC markets?Which active compounds should be standardised?Which extract ratios are commercially realistic?Which extraction methods are most suitable for the target application?How should bitterness, colour, odour or solubility be managed?Can the extract work in gummies, sachets, syrups, beverages, capsules or cosmetics?How does it behave under GCC storage and temperature conditions?What documentation will local manufacturers require?Can the product be positioned in a way that is scientifically credible and commercially relevant?The role therefore connects botanical science, extraction technology, formulation, customer requirements and Middle East market development.Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify botanical extracts with strong potential for GCC pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and cosmetic markets.Work with extract manufacturers to define Middle East-oriented product specifications.Analyse customer requirements and translate them into development briefs.Evaluate extraction methods and standardisation targets.Support development of new or modified botanical extracts.Coordinate laboratory samples and pilot batches.Assess active-compound concentration, extraction ratio and relevant analytical parameters.Evaluate taste, bitterness, aroma, colour and solubility issues.Support development of extracts suitable for specific dosage forms.Coordinate stability and application testing with technical partners.Work with flavour specialists where taste masking is required.Support formulation trials with local customers.Compare European, Asian and regional botanical-extract technologies.Identify opportunities for customised botanical blends.Support documentation required for customer qualification.Follow projects from initial botanical concept through sample, application testing and commercial approval.Development AreasParticular attention will be given to extracts suitable for:Pharma & NutraceuticalCapsulesTabletsGummiesEffervescentsSachetsPowdersSyrupsOral liquidsOrosoluble productsFood & BeverageFunctional beveragesHerbal drinksTea-based productsFunctional confectioneryGummiesClean-label productsBotanical food conceptsCosmetics & Personal CareSkincareHair careBotanical cosmetic activesNatural wellness conceptsBeauty-from-within applicationsMiddle East Product AdaptationThe successful candidate will specifically evaluate how botanical extracts should be adapted for GCC customers considering factors such as:Taste profileBitternessColourOdourSolubilityDispersibilityDosage-form compatibilityHeat and storage stabilityTarget active concentrationExtraction ratioCarrier selectionPowder versus liquid formatSugar-free and clean-label applicationsHalal-related customer requirementsCustomer-specific documentationIndustrial scalabilityTarget price and commercial feasibilityCustom DevelopmentWhere an existing extract does not fully fit the market, the candidate should be able to work with manufacturing partners to explore:Different extraction solventsModified extraction ratiosAlternative active-compound standardisationHigher or lower concentrationImproved solubilityReduced bitternessImproved sensory profilePowder versus liquid conversionCarrier optimisationMicroencapsulationTaste maskingCustomer-specific botanical blendsCandidate Profile5+ years in Botanical Extracts, Phytochemistry, Nutraceutical Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Natural Products or related fields.Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Food Science or a related scientific discipline preferred.Strong understanding of botanical extraction.Knowledge of active compounds and extract standardisation.Experience working with extract manufacturers or R&D laboratories.Understanding of extraction ratios and analytical specifications.Familiarity with formulation and dosage-form requirements.Ability to work directly with industrial customers.Experience with Middle Eastern or GCC markets is highly valued.Fluent English required.Arabic is an advantage.Ideal BackgroundRelevant candidates may currently work as:Botanical Extract Development ManagerNatural Products R&D ManagerPhytochemistry SpecialistBotanical Extracts Product ManagerHerbal Extract Development ScientistNutraceutical R&D ManagerPlant Extract Application ManagerTechnical Manager – Botanical IngredientsNatural Actives Development ManagerWhat We OfferCompetitive fixed salary.Performance-based bonus.Direct responsibility for GCC botanical-extract development.Access to international extract manufacturers and laboratories.Opportunity to influence future PGT botanical product strategy.Direct interaction with pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and cosmetic manufacturers.Participation in new product-development projects from initial concept to commercialisation.Opportunity to develop botanical extracts specifically designed around Middle Eastern customer requirements.Who We Are Looking ForWe are not looking for someone who simply receives a botanical-extract catalogue and sends it to customers.We want someone who can take a plant such as hibiscus, saffron, licorice, pomegranate or aronia and determine:which compounds matter;which extraction technology makes sense;what standardisation the customer needs;what dosage form is being developed;whether bitterness or solubility will create problems;whether the extract survives the intended application;how it should be documented;and whether the final product can actually compete in the GCC.The final objective is to develop botanical extracts that are designed for Middle Eastern applications rather than merely exported to the Middle East.