Director Novel Foods

Summary

The Director, Novel Foods will be responsible for the development of infrastructure, policies, and commercial partnerships to support the creation of a commercially viable manufacturing and innovation ecosystem for Novel Foods. This ecosystem will focus on plant-based meat and dairy products, cell-based foods fermentation products, cultured meat) as well as natural ingredients. The role will involve leading a team of food scientists and other professionals, as well as partnering with Topian’s commercial, legal, and financial leadership team. An ability to integrate infrastructure and asset development with commercial ambitions to build an advantaged position for Topian’s Novel Foods program will be essential.

Position description and responsibilities

NEOM aims at providing opportunities for people to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives, while sustainably using the natural resources upon which they depend. NEOM partners with governments, local and international businesses, and knowledge institutes to transform ideas into policy, policy into action, and action into impact. NEOM uses its technical knowledge and experience, passionate staff, local presence, and global influence to make a lasting difference in people’s livability, especially in desert-like conditions in a world facing climate change.

As part of this vision, the Topian Novel Foods Business Unit is creating world-class innovation and manufacturing alternative protein ecosystem. This ecosystem will be based on i) designing and building the infrastructure and assets required to support food manufacturing at NEOM, ii) establishing partnerships with leading companies in plant-based meat, plant-based dairy, biomass fermentation, precision fermentation, cultured meat, and natural ingredients, and iii) developing business cases and commercial strategies to develop Topian-branded Novel Foods as KSA market-leaders in target alternative protein categories. 

The Director, Novel Foods, will be responsible for implementing a technical and commercial business program that will enable the success of Topian’s alternative protein vision.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of food scientists and other professionals in the development and commercial implementation of the Novel Foods strategy.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders in the design and construction of relevant food manufacturing and innovation facilities.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders in the implementation of regulatory policies and practices that will support the development of the Novel Foods ecosystem.
• Drive localization of potential partners to NEOM, ensuring strategic alignment with Topian's expansion plans.
• Partner with Topian's Commercial, Business Development, and Legal Teams to create compelling business cases and scenarios for each potential partner, showcasing the mutual benefits of collaboration with Topian.
• Partner with the NEOM Investment Fund to identify potential investment opportunities in the Novel Foods category.
• Develop and execute plans for the development and successful market introduction of Topian-branded Novel Foods products.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the regional and global Novel Foods sector.
• Partner with Topian;s Marketing and Communications Team to ensure high visibility for the Novel Foods vision through attractive brand imaging and communication strategies.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and developments in order to identify new opportunities for the Novel Foods Business Unit.
• Prepare and present Board-level papers on the progress and success of Novel Foods strategies.
• Actively participate in the Food Leadership Team to promote the overall Topian ambition.
• Ensure that all Novel Foods activities are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Knowledge and Experience

15-20 years of experience in business development in the food and beverage industry including experience leading diverse multi-disciplinary teams.

Demonstrated knowledge of the plant-based and alternative protein industries encompassing mid, large conglomerates, SMEs, venture arms and start-ups.

Demonstrated knowledge of food manufacturing processes, encompassing plant-based, fermentation, and cultured meat technologies, and an ability to engage with infrastructure and asset developers to enable construction of state-of-the-art innovation and large-scale production facilities.

Familiarity with CDMO and CMO operating models in the food and/or related industries.

Proven ability to attract potential partners through effective marketing and sales strategies. Skilled in delivering persuasive presentations that articulate the business value of partnerships to diverse stakeholders, including multinational corporations, SMEs, and investors.

Experience in commercial development of new products including familiarity with market dynamics, sales strategies, investment profiles, and intellectual property considerations.

Strong grasp of business principles and practices, with a keen ability to analyze market trends, assess financial implications, and develop strategic recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Proven track record of successful project management and delivery, with a focus on driving innovation and achieving business objectives.

Strong networking skills and willingness to lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

Advanced analytical interpretation and problem-solving skills

Passion for Topian’s mission in adopting the most innovative and meaningful trends in Novel Foods that can be leveraged to enhance health and wellness at NEOM and globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a food-related discipline with an emphasis on business applications
• Master’s degree in business administration is a plus
• Excellent command of English – both written and verbal