Lead Food Product Innovator: Concept to Launch

Pedros; Durban; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 960,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedros is seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Specialist to lead end-to-end product development from concept and recipe development through costing, testing and launch in Durban. The role acts as a technical and creative reference point for the team, collaborating with Marketing, Operations and Franchise teams to land new products in market.

You will mentor junior staff, drive process improvements, and ensure food safety, quality and regulatory compliance while balancing flavour,

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in product development, ideally within food, FMCG, retail or QSR environments.
• Proven track record of taking products from concept to launch.
• Strong recipe development and food science fundamentals with costing awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new menu items, flavours and limited-time offers from concept to launch.
• Develop, test and refine recipes and product specifications with cost controls.
• Prepare costings and margin analyses in collaboration with Finance and Supply Chain.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and brand standards.

Skills

Product development

Food science

Costing & margin analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring junior staff

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Pedros is seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Specialist to lead end-to-end product development from concept and recipe development through costing, testing and launch in Durban. The role acts as a technical and creative reference point for the team, collaborating with Marketing, Operations and Franchise teams to land new products in market.

You will mentor junior staff, drive process improvements, and ensure food safety, quality and regulatory compliance while balancing flavour,