Executive Chef, New Product Development & Menu Innovation

Pedros Chicken; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fast-food chain in South Africa seeks an Executive Chef for New Product Development. This key role involves innovating menu items while maintaining high standards of quality and profitability. Candidates must have at least 8 years in culinary roles, with a focus on quick service environments. Responsibilities include managing product development from ideation to commercialization, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and mentoring the team. A culinary degree and willingness to travel are essential.

Qualifications

• Drivers licence and own vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel to outlets nationally/internationally on occasion.
• 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 a 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 South African food safety legislation and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new menu items from concept to rollout.
• Drive seasonal and permanent menu innovation aligned to brand identity.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and food trend analysis.
• Translate concepts into precise, scalable SOPs and recipe cards.
• Partner with supply chain and procurement for ingredient sourcing.
• Conduct cost-per-serving analysis to ensure profitability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and labelling regulations.
• Support and mentor the NPD team and manage resources efficiently.

Skills

Advanced culinary technique & flavour profiling

Recipe costing & food margin management

HACCP & food safety compliance

SOP writing & training material development

Sensory evaluation & consumer testing

Supply chain & ingredient sourcing

Recipe creation, innovation & ideation

Education

Culinary diploma or degree from a recognised institution

Job description

A leading fast-food chain in South Africa seeks an Executive Chef for New Product Development. This key role involves innovating menu items while maintaining high standards of quality and profitability. Candidates must have at least 8 years in culinary roles, with a focus on quick service environments. Responsibilities include managing product development from ideation to commercialization, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and mentoring the team. A culinary degree and willingness to travel are essential.