Executive Chef - New Product Development & Menu Innovation

OttoBauthentic; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

OttoBauthentic in Durban, South Africa, is seeking an Executive Chef - New Product Development to lead the menu pipeline, conceptualise and commercialise innovative items across franchise locations.

You will translate concepts into SOPs, collaborate with supply chain, marketing and QA, and oversee tastings, cost targets and training while ensuring SA food safety standards. A senior kitchen leader with 8+ years in NPD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Diploma / Degree in culinary from a recognised institution
• Minimum 8 years of professional culinary experience with at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role
• Demonstrated experience in new product development within QSR, FMCG or multi-unit hospitality environment
• Strong understanding of food costing, yield analysis and menu engineering
• Proven ability to scale recipes and develop SOPs for high-volume franchise kitchen environments
• Working knowledge of SA food safety legislation and HACCP principles
• Strong commercial acumen
• Advanced culinary technique and flavour profiling
• Must be able to work in a high pressure and fast paced work environment
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle
• Willing to travel nationally and internationally

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of new menu items from concept ideation to final rollout
• Drive seasonal, limited-time and permanent menu innovations aligned to brand and insights
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and food trend analysis to identify differentiation opportunities
• Collaborate with marketing to align launches with campaigns and brand positioning
• Translate concepts into precise SOPs and recipe cards for franchise kitchens
• Partner with supply chain to source ingredients meeting quality and cost targets
• Conduct cost-per-serving analysis to ensure profitability
• Oversee pilot testing, sensory evaluation and taste panels prior to launch
• Ensure all new products meet SA food safety and labeling regulations
• Define shelf-life parameters, allergens and nutritional profiles with QA
• Upskill and audit across franchise locations through training
• Lead budgeting, equipment planning and resource management
• Represent the organisation at industry events and supplier engagements

Skills

NPD leadership

Food cost analysis

Menu engineering

SOP development

Brand & flavour profiling

Supplier collaboration

Training & mentorship

High-pressure work

Travel readiness

Education

Diploma / Degree in culinary

Job description

OttoBauthentic in Durban, South Africa, is seeking an Executive Chef - New Product Development to lead the menu pipeline, conceptualise and commercialise innovative items across franchise locations.

You will translate concepts into SOPs, collaborate with supply chain, marketing and QA, and oversee tastings, cost targets and training while ensuring SA food safety standards. A senior kitchen leader with 8+ years in NPD is preferred.