Junior Menu Developer at Famous Brands

Introduction

To effectively manage all elements of the product mix within the Captive Market Brands to ensure the brands continue to deliver against consumer expectations and trends whilst remaining a best in class competitor in selected restaurant categories.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Menu Developer will focus on developing, managing, and optimizing the restaurant's menu offerings. The main output and responsibilities revolve around ensuring the menu is appealing, functional, and aligned with the restaurant's brand and consumer trends.
• Product re-calibration to ensure best in category on all hero products.
• Develop and maintain supplier relations.
• Implement and manage the entire New Product Development (NPD) process; obtain products, product testing, pricing, stock level projections, forecasting, and quality checks.
• Manage crockery development from concept to final rollout.
• Understand the marketing strategy and align with all new product development and trends.
• Maintain supplier relations and collaboration in developing new product ideas and driving strategic price points and profit optimization.
• Handle all product-related queries from manufacturing partners and franchisees ensuring clear communication to the franchise network on any products or recipe changes.
• Ensure a complete 18-month pipeline of new menu and promotional line items at any given point in time for the brand.
• Maintain a menu mix that will drive maximum profitability for franchise partners whilst still adhering to evolving consumer needs.
• Take full accountability for packaging development and driving innovation in packaging including design (relevance, competitive, and environmentally friendly).
• Development of pricing strategies and accountability for the recipe integrity.
• Interface with marketing, training, supply chain, forecasting, manufacturing, and operations.
• Prepare presentations and present at National Franchise Council, brand conferences, and brand strategy sessions as well as attend all Integrated Demand Planning sessions.
• Reduce and manage product risk within the business.
• Closely work with planning and forecast teams within the business to reduce out of stocks and/or write-offs.
• Stay abreast of national and international competitor product/innovation trends.
• Conduct regular competitor visits and report back to the marketing and operational teams on product, pricing, and innovation.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Formal Education

Minimum Matric with a relevant 3-year tertiary qualification.

Experience

• Strong track record of successfully developing and launching new products.
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years' experience in product development side of the FMCG, retail, or the restaurant/hospitality industry.
• Must have experience presenting and selling your own concepts and new product ideas.

Previous franchising experience will be advantageous.