New Product Developer (Centurion)

DataFin; Centurion, Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A Centurion-based organization in the Fast-Food Space is looking for a New Product Developer to oversee the full product development cycle. The ideal candidate will have a Degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or similar, with experience in food innovation and strong project management skills. This role demands creativity and the ability to translate market trends into viable product offerings. Flexibility to travel may be required for concept development and training sessions.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or Consumer Science required.
• Previous experience in Product Development or Food Innovation is preferred.
• Knowledge of costing, nutrition, food safety, and quality standards is needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital project management platforms is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full New Product Development cycle from ideation to launch.
• Conduct market trend analysis and identify gaps.
• Test new ingredients or processes to optimize products.
• Collaborate with marketing and customer insight teams for trend analyses.

Skills

Product Development

Food Innovation

Market Research

Project Management

Nutritional Knowledge

Education

Degree/Diploma in Food Science

Culinary Arts

Consumer Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Monday.com

Job description

Overview

ENVIRONMENT: YOUR passion for food, innovation & creating memorable customer experiences is sought to fill the role of a New Product Developer of a Centurion-based organization in the Fast-Food Space. You will support and manage the full New Product Development (NPD) cycle—from ideation and testing through to recipe formulation, feedback loops, and national launch. The role plays a crucial part in maintaining product quality, enabling diversification, and driving commercial growth through innovation. You will also contribute to projects across sister brands and dark kitchen concepts, support Operational and Customer Service teams with product queries, and help translate emerging trends into commercially viable menu items. Applicants will require a Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Consumer Science or similar with prior work experience in Product Development or Food Innovation role (QSR/FMCG preferred) including knowledge of nutrition, costing, food safety, and quality standards & be proficient with Project Management tool, Monday.com.

Duties

• Innovation & Concept Development -
• Conduct idea generation sessions and identify market trends and gaps.
• Contribute to innovation across the business, sister brands, and dark kitchen concepts.
• Assist with concept development while considering operational, packaging, and delivery constraints.
• Test new ingredients or processes to reduce cost, improve quality, and reduce waste.

• Testing & Feedback -
• Conduct internal tastings and collaborate with Marketing on competitor analysis.
• Use the Innovation Station and focus groups to gather structured consumer feedback.
• Facilitate iterative improvement cycles using AI, QR surveys, and store-level input.

• Project Management & Process Execution -
• Implement the formal NPD process including idea screening, feasibility checks, costing, and launch prep.
• Ensure proper documentation of nutritional analysis, training materials, and rollout readiness.
• Maintain up-to-date product databases and development logs via Monday.com, automating where possible.

• Market Research & Brand Alignment -
• Collaborate with Marketing and Customer Insight teams to conduct trend analyses and market audits.
• Provide ongoing feedback to Operations, Training, and Customer Service on product-related issues.

• Launch & Go-to-Market -
• Prepare launch materials including training guides, costings, styling inputs for campaigns, and internal comms.
• Support Area and Corporate Managers through on-site training and implementation during new product rollouts.

Requirements

• Qualifications –
• Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Consumer Science, or similar.

• Experience/Skills -
• Previous experience in a Product Development or Food Innovation role (QSR/FMCG preferred).
• Knowledge of nutrition, costing, food safety, and quality standards.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Digital Project Management platforms including Monday.com.
• Ability to interpret trends and translate insights into practical product applications.
• Travel will be expected occasionally, to Concept Stores, the Central Kitchen, suppliers, trade shows, or franchisee meetings.
• Extended hours and weekend availability may be required during critical development or launch phases.

• Advantageous –
• A background in QSR, FMCG, or franchise-based innovation.

Attributes

• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong planning, documentation, and communication skills.
• Team player who can work independently in fast-paced environments.
• Creative thinker with a passion for food and the customer experience.