Location: Corporate Office | Work Mode: On-site

Travel: Required

Reports To: CEO

Leads: R&D Director, Quality Control Manager, HSE Manager, QA & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Sustainability Manager

 

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Guiding Principles

 

• Embody the organization’s values and culture

• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies

• Apply the Quality Management System

• Engage in continuous improvement and cross-team collaboration

 

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Internal & External Collaboration

 

• Internal: Senior Leadership and all departments

• External: Tech providers, suppliers, customers, regulators, certification bodies, government agencies

 

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Role Overview

 

The CIQO leads quality enhancement, regulatory compliance, and innovation across the organization. This role drives product development, sustainability, and continuous improvement aligned with global food standards and evolving market demands.

 

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Accountabilities

 

• Direct R&D, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance strategies

• Ensure innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance

• Lead safety, compliance, and quality efforts across functions

• Drive product excellence from concept to delivery

 

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Key Responsibilities

 

• Define the innovation roadmap and new product strategies

• Align innovation and quality initiatives with business objectives

• Build a culture of experimentation and cross-functional collaboration

• Analyze market trends and competitor strategies for informed development

• Lead quality strategy and control systems for consistent product excellence

• Partner with manufacturing to align product specs with cost and efficiency

• Oversee regulatory compliance and timely certifications

• Drive sustainability initiatives across sourcing, production, and packaging

• Develop resilience strategies for external challenges like climate or supply risks

• Lead safety protocols and promote a health- and environment-conscious culture

• Integrate AI tools to improve quality prediction and R&D efficiency

• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and regulatory bodies

• Coach and build a high-performing, growth-driven quality and innovation team

 

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KPIs

 

• New Product Launch Success Rate

• First Pass Yield (FPY)

• Food Safety Compliance Rate (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000)

• AI Adoption in R&D and Quality Processes

• Accuracy of AI-Based Quality Predictions

 

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Candidate Profile

 

 

Education

 

• Master’s in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, or related field

 

 

Experience

 

• 20+ years in R&D, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs

• 7+ years in senior leadership

• Must have experience in agri-food, especially fruit concentrates, IQF, Freeze Dry

• Proven success in innovation, QA, and sustainability projects

 

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Core Competencies

 

 

Technical

 

• Advanced food science and processing knowledge

• R&D leadership for market-aligned product development

• QA/QC systems aligned with global food standards

• Regulatory compliance and labelling expertise

• Innovation using sustainable practices and materials

• Sensory testing and consumer analysis

• Data-driven decision-making in quality and product trends

• Project management across cross-functional teams

• Supply chain quality integration

 

 

Leadership

 

• Clear strategic direction

• Cross-functional team alignment and development

• Change management and innovation leadership

• Goal setting and execution

• Inclusive leadership and cross-department collaboration

• Customer-centered innovation and quality strategy

 

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Languages

 

• English proficiency required

• Arabic proficiency is a plus

 

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Other Requirements

 

• Based at corporate HQ

• Regular travel required for cross-functional and external coordination