Innovation Chef: Next-Gen Food Product Development

YUM; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC Africa is seeking an experienced product developer to lead end-to-end consumer-led innovation for the Africa menu. You will translate briefs into compelling concepts, build prototypes, and drive products from bench to restaurant launch while balancing taste, nutrition, cost and operational simplicity.

The role requires 6–8 years in food product development, strong collaboration with suppliers and internal teams, and a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Six to eight years’ product development experience in food sectors such as QSR, FMCG, or food service.
• Experience leading products from concept and bench development through validation, scale-up and launch.
• Cross-functional collaboration with suppliers, marketing, operations and QA.

Responsibilities

• Lead consumer-led product innovation from ideation to market launch.
• Validate ingredients, formulations, shelf-life and yield with trial protocols.
• Govern product launches with cost, quality, and compliance oversight.
• Optimize existing portfolio with improvements to taste, cost and process.

Skills

Culinary craftsmanship

Food safety knowledge

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma in Food Technology / Food Science / Culinary Arts

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Culinary Innovation

Job description

KFC Africa is seeking an experienced product developer to lead end-to-end consumer-led innovation for the Africa menu. You will translate briefs into compelling concepts, build prototypes, and drive products from bench to restaurant launch while balancing taste, nutrition, cost and operational simplicity.

The role requires 6–8 years in food product development, strong collaboration with suppliers and internal teams, and a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.