Remote Culinary Development Chef

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly creative Remote Culinary Development Chef to design, test and refine menu items for large-scale production in a fully remote role. A Diploma in Culinary Arts or equivalent experience is required, with a proven track record in recipe development and menu engineering.

The role focuses on cost control, food safety and nutrition, with strong collaboration via digital tools and remote teams.

Qualifications

• A recognized culinary qualification (e.g., Diploma in Culinary Arts) or equivalent extensive professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a chef with strong recipe development and menu engineering experience.
• Proven ability to create innovative and commercially viable dishes across cuisines.
• Strong understanding of food costing, ingredient sourcing, and production processes.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and remote teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, shared documents).
• Highly developed palate and strong sensory evaluation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and nutritional guidelines.
• Creative mindset with a passion for exploring new culinary frontiers.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and appealing new recipes and menu items for large-scale production.
• Conduct thorough recipe testing and refinement using available resources and feedback.
• Create detailed recipe specifications including ingredients, methods, and nutritional info.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and supply chain via digital channels.
• Research food trends and consumer preferences to identify opportunities.
• Ensure recipes meet quality, safety, and cost targets.
• Provide culinary guidance to production teams remotely.
• Document culinary development processes and findings.
• Contribute to the company’s culinary vision and strategy.

Skills

Culinary development

Menu engineering

Remote collaboration

Digital tools

Sensory evaluation

Time management

Food safety

Nutritional guidelines

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts

Tools

Video conferencing

Shared documents

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive food service company known for its innovative approach to catering and food production, is seeking a highly creative and skilled Remote Culinary Development Chef. This fully remote role is ideal for a culinary artist who can conceptualize, develop, and refine new menu items and food concepts without being physically present in a traditional kitchen environment. You will leverage digital tools, clear communication, and strong sensory evaluation skills to create exciting and commercially viable recipes for various applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your culinary expertise to a forward-thinking organization from anywhere, influencing menus and driving innovation in the food service industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and appealing new recipes and menu items suitable for large-scale production and diverse client needs.
• Conduct thorough recipe testing and refinement using available resources and feedback mechanisms.
• Create detailed recipe specifications, including ingredients, preparation methods, cooking instructions, and nutritional information.
• Collaborate closely with product development teams, marketing, and supply chain departments via digital communication channels.
• Research current food trends, consumer preferences, and competitor offerings to identify opportunities for new product development.
• Ensure that all developed recipes meet quality, safety, and cost targets.
• Provide culinary guidance and support to production teams remotely, ensuring successful implementation of new concepts.
• Maintain a strong understanding of food science and cooking techniques relevant to commercial food production.
• Document all culinary development processes and findings effectively.
• Contribute to the overall culinary vision and strategy of the company.

Requirements

• A recognized culinary qualification (e.g., Diploma in Culinary Arts) or equivalent extensive professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a chef, with a significant focus on recipe development and menu engineering.
• Proven ability to create innovative and commercially viable dishes across various cuisines.
• Strong understanding of food costing, ingredient sourcing, and production processes.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and remote teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, shared documents).
• A highly developed palate and strong sensory evaluation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and nutritional guidelines.
• A creative mindset with a passion for exploring new culinary frontiers.

Benefits

This role offers the significant advantage of being fully remote, allowing for flexible working arrangements. Our client provides a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and opportunities for professional development through online culinary courses and industry forums. You will be part of a dynamic team driving culinary innovation and have the chance to make a substantial impact on the company's product offerings without the need for relocation. This role offers a chance to redefine culinary development in a modern, connected way.