New Product Development Manager-Contractor

KFC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Product Development professional to drive end-to-end new product development, from concept through to market launch, while ensuring compliance with global ingredient lists, allergens, and nutrition information.

The role requires 8-10 years in food product development, strong technical knowledge, and proven cross-functional leadership to deliver innovative offerings within a fast-paced QSR environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in the food industry, preferably within FMCG, Retail, or QSR environments.
• Strong knowledge of food science, production, processing, and food safety with practical applications.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to cross-functional product development projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills; ability to thrive under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional product development projects across categories.
• Ensure compliance with restricted ingredients list, allergens, and nutrition information.
• Document and write up procedures for new products and updates to existing ones; sign off with Ops.
• Coordinate samples, supplier specifications, and consumer research for new products and launches.
• Drive NPD pipeline creation and improvements for multiple categories.

Skills

Product development

Food safety

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Technology/Food Science

Job description

At KFC, we pride ourselves on being original. We even named our recipe after it. But for us, the answer to the question is simple. Be You. Everyone at KFC is different. Unique. It's what makes us special - Our people, The Originals. And we welcome you to join us. Bring your individuality to the table. Bring your grit and energy. Bring your spirit. Your story. Your drive and your passion. Bring it. Every piece of you. Even the parts you don't like. Because we value our people no matter what. We'll feed your potential and we'll support you; to be your best self, to make a difference, and have fun. Together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary. All you have to do, is Bring it.

Responsibilities

• Product development across categories, ensuring compliance in terms of KFC restricted ingredients list (global alignment), allergens, nutritional information as well as relevant legislation
• Completing of product builds process, ingredients validations, portioning tests, shelf-life tests
• Completing full interim and full NPD Ops validations with NPD Ops consultant
• Completing indicative BOMs (bill of materials) once quantities and ingredients have been finalized
• To document and write up procedures (CSL's) for all new products developed as well as make changes to any existing procedures when necessary
• To liaise and sign off all product BOH procedures with Ops team
• Requesting samples and product specifications from suppliers
• Arranging samples for all consumer research, product presentations, menu shoots, tastings and validations well in advance
• Attend all consumer research nationally and ensure products are prepared correctly and on time
• To sign off production lines at supplier facilities and product specifications on new products for market test and launch.
• Signing off on all new product and packaging specifications
• Arrange and liaise with test kitchen supervisor on product builds for all tastings and presentations, including set up
• Liaising with NPD Assistant to ensure ingredients availability for all tastings and presentations. Ensuring builds are aligned with NPD assistant before any tastings take place.
• Improve existing products/packaging, by optimization of raw material usage and cost saving initiatives
• Drive creation of NPD pipeline for the various categories (Burgers, Boxes, Beverages, Snacking, Value etc.)
• Sharing updates of all projects with the cross functional teams in the relevant forums
• Sharing updates with FIT Lead in status meetings and team meetings

Problem Solving & Analysis

• Being able to calculate yield, wastage and determine shelf life of ingredients.
• Being able to develop/suggest solves for back of house product execution to ensure successful new product tests and launches
• Troubleshooting for potential shortfalls in new raw materials and ingredients

Judgement & Decision Making

• Be an independent thinker, able to rationalize the facts surrounding the limitations of a project and propose solutions.
• Ability to adapt and offer solutions to any challenges in the product development process

Innovation

• Product development across categories
• Contingency and raw material replacements
• Developing back of house processes to enable team members in store to prepare product
• Makes minor changes to existing processes by identifying process improvements and modifications.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field (qualification may be flexible for contractors with strong Product Development and QSR experience).
• 8-10 years of experience in the food industry, preferably within FMCG, Retail, or QSR environments, with hands-on involvement in food product development and innovation.
• Strong knowledge of food science principles, food production, processing, and food safety, with the ability to apply these in practical, commercially viable solutions.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to cross-functional product development projects, collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, coupled with strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Mature, proactive, and results-oriented professional with a positive "can-do" attitude and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.