Chef - Product Development

Daniels Donuts; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NPD exposure

National product launches

Career development

Australian-owned

Job summary

Daniels Donuts is expanding its NPD kitchen leadership to plan, cost and refine new products from concept to production. You will coordinate daily NPD kitchen operations, train staff, and translate successful recipes into standardized production processes while upholding strict hygiene and food safety standards.

The role works closely with Production and Quality teams to ensure smooth scale-up, with opportunities to influence national product launches within a growing Australian-owned business.

Qualifications

• AQF associate degree or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• Three years' chef-level experience if no formal qualification.
• Experience coordinating kitchen operations and directing staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead new product recipes from concept to production-ready spec.
• Coordinate NPD trials, including scheduling and resourcing.
• Train kitchen/production staff on recipes, techniques, and SOPs.
• Ensure hygiene and food safety standards (HACCP/GMP) are met.

Skills

Kitchen operations coordination

Staff training

Quality assurance

NPD collaboration

Education

AQF associate degree

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Tools

HACCP

Job description

Having built a cult following for classics such as Nutella, and Fresh Jam and Cream, Daniel's Donuts is now rapidly growing its manufacturing, retail and wholesale operations. We are a brand-led, high-volume food manufacturing partner backed by a Private Equity group while retaining the founder's knowledge, and we are well on the way to national expansion. As we move onto a single ERP system (Odoo) and scale what works, building capable people, strong leadership and a safe, high-performing culture is central to our growth.

The Role

Leads recipe development within our New Product Development (NPD) kitchen, planning, costing and refining new products from concept through to a production-ready standard. The role coordinates the day-to-day operations of the NPD kitchen, and directs, trains and issues food preparation instructions to the kitchen and production staff assigned to support NPD trials. The role sets and monitors quality standards across all stages of preparation and presentation and ensures NPD activities meet hygiene and food safety requirements. Working closely with the Production Manager, the role translates successful recipes into standardised processes and specifications for the wider production team.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and develop new product recipes, from concept through to a production-ready specification, including costing and sourcing ingredients and supplies
• Prepare and cook test batches for new recipes, refining based on sensory, technical and commercial feedback
• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the NPD kitchen, including trial scheduling, workflow planning and resourcing
• Direct, organise and train kitchen and production staff assigned to support NPD trials, issuing food preparation instructions and checking work performed
• Translate successful NPD recipes into standardised production processes and schedules
• Monitor and set quality standards for products at all stages of preparation, from NPD trial through to the first month of production
• Discuss food preparation and quality issues with the Production Manager, Quality team and kitchen/production staff, and maintain recipe specifications and SOPs
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and train production staff on new recipes and finishing standards, acting as the technical reference point for NPD work
• Explain and enforce hygiene and food safety requirements, ensure compliance with Food Safety Program (HACCP/GMP) and allergen controls, and raise and mitigate any risks

About You

• AQF associate degree, Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent); or at least three years' relevant Chef-level experience in the absence of formal qualifications
• Experience coordinating kitchen operations and directing or training kitchen staff on food preparation instructions and technique
• Experience monitoring and maintaining quality standards across food preparation and presentation
• Knowledge and understanding of Food Safety Programs and hygiene regulations
• Strong technique demonstration and coaching ability, able to select, direct and train other kitchen/production staff on new recipes
• Experience in recipe development, product trials or new product development (NPD), within a commercial kitchen or food manufacturing environment
• Experience working alongside or within a kitchen/food production team

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to work in New Product Development
• Hands-on involvement in products launched nationally
• A supportive, passionate and creative team
• Stability within a growing Australian-owned business
• Career development opportunities as the business continues to grow