Menu Development Specialist (Remote)

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Menu Development Specialist to lead creative recipe concepts for catering programs on a fully remote basis. You will research market trends, analyze consumer preferences, and transform ideas into profitable menu concepts aligned with brand identity.

You will collaborate virtually with culinary, marketing and operations teams to move concepts from concept to execution while maintaining cost targets and high customer appeal across platforms.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in menu development or culinary innovation.
• Strong understanding of flavor profiles and food science.
• Proficiency in recipe costing and nutritional analysis software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Research current food trends, competitor offerings, and customer feedback to identify new menu opportunities.
• Develop creative, appealing, and cost-effective recipes and menu concepts for diverse catering needs.
• Conduct taste tests and gather feedback to refine and optimize menu items.
• Collaborate with culinary teams, supply chain, and marketing departments to ensure successful menu implementation.
• Create detailed specifications, including ingredients, preparation methods, and plating instructions for new dishes.
• Analyze menu item performance and profitability, recommending adjustments as needed.

Skills

Menu development

Recipe creation

Culinary innovation

Food science

Flavor profiling

Analytical skills

Virtual collaboration

Recipe costing

Job description

Our client, a leading innovator in the catering industry, is seeking a creative and analytical Menu Development Specialist to join their team on a fully remote basis. This role is central to shaping the culinary offerings and driving product innovation. You will research market trends, analyze consumer preferences, and develop exciting new menu concepts and recipes that align with the company's strategic goals and brand identity. Working from Centurion (remotely), you will collaborate virtually with culinary teams, marketing, and operations to bring innovative dishes from concept to execution, ensuring profitability and customer appeal across all platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Research current food trends, competitor offerings, and customer feedback to identify new menu opportunities.
• Develop creative, appealing, and cost-effective recipes and menu concepts for diverse catering needs.
• Conduct taste tests and gather feedback to refine and optimize menu items.
• Collaborate with culinary teams, supply chain, and marketing departments to ensure successful menu implementation.
• Create detailed specifications, including ingredients, preparation methods, and plating instructions for new dishes.
• Analyze menu item performance and profitability, recommending adjustments as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience in menu development , recipe creation, or culinary innovation, preferably in catering or food service.
• Strong understanding of food science, flavor profiles, and various culinary techniques.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in recipe costing and nutritional analysis software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for virtual collaboration.
• A passion for food and a creative, trend-aware mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and remote work flexibility.
• Opportunity to significantly influence the culinary direction of a major catering brand.
• Access to resources for ongoing professional development in culinary arts and trends.
• Work within a collaborative and forward-thinking virtual team environment.
• Contribution to innovative food experiences enjoyed by many.