Technical Product Development Manager – Food, Pharma & Cosmetics

Technical Product Development Manager – Food, Pharma & Cosmetics

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full-timeWorkplace: HybridRegional Scope: UAE | Saudi Arabia | GCCPalomba General Trading LLC is seeking a Technical Product Development Manager to support customer projects across the Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics industries.The role focuses on translating customer requirements into practical ingredient solutions and coordinating development projects with international suppliers.This position is suitable for someone who can work across multiple application areas without being locked into a single industry silo.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop technical projects with Food, Pharma and Cosmetics customers.Translate customer briefs into clear product and ingredient requirements.Coordinate samples, technical documentation and supplier feedback.Support product selection based on application, functionality and specification.Work directly with R&D, Product Development, Procurement and Quality teams.Follow customer trials and technical evaluations.Coordinate modifications or alternative solutions when initial samples do not meet expectations.Support new product launches and formulation projects.Identify cross-sector applications for natural and specialty ingredients.Maintain structured project pipelines and technical follow-up.Support commercial teams during technically complex customer discussions.Evaluate new ingredient suppliers and technologies.Ingredient CategoriesThe portfolio may include:Botanical extractsStandardised natural activesEssential oilsCitrus-derived ingredientsNatural flavoursTaste-masking systemsFunctional ingredientsLiquorice extracts and derivativesSaffron extractsNatural coloursFruit powdersSpecialty botanical materialsSelected formulation-support ingredientsFood ApplicationsBeveragesFunctional drinksConfectioneryBakeryDairy applicationsTea and herbal productsFlavour systemsClean-label conceptsFunctional foodsPremium ingredient conceptsPharmaceutical & Nutraceutical ApplicationsTabletsCapsulesGummiesSachetsPowdersSyrupsEffervescentsOrosoluble productsFunctional supplementsTaste-masking applicationsBotanical active formulationsCosmetics & Personal Care ApplicationsSkincareHair careBody careNatural cosmeticsPersonal careSpa & wellnessBotanical beauty conceptsAromatic applicationsPremium cosmetic formulationsCandidate Profile5+ years in Food Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics or related sectors.Technical or scientific background.Experience working with R&D or Product Development teams.Good understanding of ingredient functionality.Experience managing samples and customer evaluations.Ability to work across different technical applications.Strong project-management and communication skills.Customer-facing experience is highly valued.Fluent English required.Arabic is an advantage.Ideal BackgroundRelevant candidates may currently work as:Technical Product ManagerApplication ManagerProduct Development ManagerTechnical Account ManagerIngredient Applications SpecialistR&D Project ManagerTechnical Commercial ManagerProduct Specialist – Specialty IngredientsWhat We OfferCompetitive fixed salary.Performance-based bonus.Regional GCC exposure.International ingredient portfolio.Direct cooperation with European and international manufacturers.Exposure to multiple industries rather than a single application sector.High autonomy in customer project development.Opportunity to work with innovative natural and specialty ingredients.Who We Are Looking ForWe want someone who can move comfortably between three different conversations:A food manufacturer asking about taste, stability and formulation performance.A pharmaceutical company asking about specifications, standardisation and technical documentation.A cosmetics company asking about functionality, natural positioning and product development.The ideal candidate should understand the technical language of each sector and convert customer requirements into practical projects with suppliers.