Chief Innovation & Quality Officer [Relocation to Egypt]

Job Description

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

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

Internal & External Collaboration

Internal : Senior Leadership and all departments

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Languages

English proficiency required

Arabic proficiency is a plus

Other Requirements

Based at corporate HQ

Regular travel required for cross-functional and external coordination

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