Senior Research & Development Manager - Starbucks - UAE

Role overview

Product development

• Lead beverage innovation from ideation and recipe creation through testing, sensory evaluation, validation, costing, and launch.
• Develop locally relevant beverages and adapt global concepts where appropriate.
• Research markets and competitors; translate consumer and cultural trends into concepts.
• Manage recipe testing, optimization, standardization, and documentation.
• Ensure products meet brand, food safety, quality, operational, and local regulatory standards.

Collaboration and launch

• Work with Category, Host Brand R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Operations, and suppliers.
• Develop suitable ingredients and product solutions with suppliers; cost recipes to support target margins.
• Ensure recipes are practical, scalable, and executable in stores.
• Manage multiple project timelines and support launches with specifications, training materials, testing, and operational validation.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Beverage Technology, Food & Beverage Management, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years in Beverage R&D, Beverage Development, Product Innovation, or Menu Development.
• Hands-on beverage recipe development and commercialization experience, including concept-to-launch work.
• Experience in QSR, cafés, coffee chains, casual dining, FMCG, or retail food and beverage.
• Local or regional product development and supplier/ingredient-partner experience are preferred.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong technical knowledge of beverage ingredients, formulation, preparation methods, and sensory characteristics.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of beverage trends, consumer preferences, and menu innovation.
• Skills include formulation, sensory testing, trend analysis, supplier collaboration, costing, project management, cross-functional collaboration, problem solving, and attention to detail.

Company