Executive Chef: New Product Development & Menu Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Franchise support

Job summary

Pedro’s Chicken seeks an Executive Chef – New Product Development to drive innovation from concept to roll-out across franchise locations. You will lead cross-functional teams, shape editorial tasting, and ensure dishes meet brand standards and profitability.

Responsibilities include SOP creation, cost analysis, supplier collaboration, and training to maintain high-quality, scalable products in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Culinary diploma or degree from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 8 years of professional culinary experience, including senior/executive roles.
• Experience in NPD within QSR, FMCG or multi-unit hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of new menu items from concept ideation to rollout.
• Drive seasonal, limited-time, and permanent menu innovation.
• 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 and procurement on ingredient quality and cost.
• Oversee pilot testing, sensory evaluation, and consumer panels before launch.
• Ensure compliance with South African food safety and labelling regulations.

Skills

Advanced culinary technique

Flavor profiling

Recipe costing

Food safety compliance

Sensory evaluation

Supply chain sourcing

Leadership

Menu engineering

Education

Culinary diploma or degree

Tools

SOP development

Job description

Pedro’s Chicken seeks an Executive Chef – New Product Development to drive innovation from concept to roll-out across franchise locations. You will lead cross-functional teams, shape editorial tasting, and ensure dishes meet brand standards and profitability.

Responsibilities include SOP creation, cost analysis, supplier collaboration, and training to maintain high-quality, scalable products in a fast-paced environment.