R&D Lead Chocolatier – Luxury Chocolate Division

About the role

AL Shahad is launching an exclusive luxury chocolate gifting brand and seeks a visionary R&D Lead Chocolatier to build the division from the ground up. This senior position combines hands‑on chocolate craftsmanship with strategic product development to create a premium brand.

Key responsibilities

• Design and set up the chocolate production facility, kitchen workflow, and operational systems from scratch.
• Lead end‑to‑end R&D, recipe development, and product innovation for premium chocolate collections.
• Conduct product trials, develop seasonal and gifting concepts, and create signature products.
• Source high‑quality raw materials, ingredients, and packaging.
• Establish quality‑control, hygiene, and international‑standard finishing procedures.
• Recruit, train, and manage a specialized chocolate production team.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Chocolatier or R&D Chocolatier in premium/luxury chocolate production.
• Strong expertise in bonbons, pralines, truffles, and coated chocolates.
• Experience setting up or managing chocolate production operations (highly preferred).
• Creative mindset with deep understanding of flavor pairing and luxury presentation.
• Leadership and team‑management experience.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

Required skills

• Bonbons production
• Pralines production
• Truffles production
• Coated chocolates production
• Chocolate recipe development
• Food safety standards compliance

What we offer

• Tax‑free salary package
• Relocation assistance to Oman
• Accommodation provided
• Medical insurance
• Opportunity to build a luxury chocolate brand from scratch
• Long‑term career growth within an established group of companies