Food Technologist/ Safety | Retail | M&S | UAE

Job Requisition ID: 175778 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Job Purpose:
The Food Technologist is responsible for ensuring that all food products, facilities, and processes comply with Marks & Spencer (M&S) standards as well as quality checks and review for the food products. The role focuses on food safety governance, compliance, and continuous improvement

What you will do: -

Description of Accountability:

• Take ownership of driving KPI improvements as reported in quarterly governance reviews (KPIs include but are not limited to complaints, store and depot audit results, and product testing results).
• Drive labelling compliance across the market in line with M&S and local regulations.
• Conduct horizon scanning to monitor and evaluate changes in food safety regulations impacting local manufacturing and ensure timely adaptation.
• Own and maintain food safety compliance across hospitality operations, including Product Process Guidelines (PPGs), cleaning procedures, and allergen management.
• Ensure local facilities meet both M&S and local food safety requirements in consultation with Technical Services Leads (TSL) and Food Technologists.
• Oversee operational processes to guarantee compliance with all in-country food safety regulations

Required Skills to be successful:

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Proactive in identifying risks and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional working skills.

What equips you for the role:

• Degree/Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or compliance within retail, hospitality, or FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of local food safety regulations and international best practices.
• Experience in audits, compliance management, and regulatory liaison.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and build relationships across multiple stakeholders.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
 
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…