Remote Culinary Development Chef

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly creative Remote Culinary Development Chef in South Africa. You will lead the conception, development and refinement of menu items and catering concepts across diverse cuisines.

Responsible for precise recipes, costings and virtual training while collaborating with global remote teams to ensure quality and profitability. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in culinary roles with 3+ years in menu development, strong tasting skills, and proficiency in recipe

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, with 3+ years focused on recipe and menu development in high-volume catering or restaurant environments.
• Proven ability to create innovative dishes across diverse cuisines and trends.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management and profitability analysis.
• Excellent remote communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and testing of new menu items and catering concepts.
• Create detailed recipes with ingredient lists, methods and plating instructions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing for new dishes.
• Develop food costings for new items ensuring profitability and budget adherence.
• Stay current with global culinary trends and ingredient innovations.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations and procurement for successful launches.
• Develop training materials and deliver virtual training to culinary teams.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Menu development

Food cost analysis

Sensory evaluation

Remote collaboration

Project management

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Recipe development software

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative leader in the food service industry, is seeking a highly creative and experienced Remote Culinary Development Chef. This position is fully remote, allowing you to leverage your culinary expertise and passion for food from anywhere in South Africa . You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and refining new menu items and catering concepts that align with market trends and our client's strategic goals. The ideal candidate possesses a sophisticated palate, a deep understanding of diverse cuisines, and proven experience in recipe development, testing, and costing. Working collaboratively with remote teams, you will drive culinary innovation and ensure the highest standards of quality and appeal for our client's offerings. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of our client's culinary landscape and make a significant impact on their brand from a remote setting. Your innovative approach to food will be key to the company's continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and testing of new menu items and catering concepts.
• Create detailed recipes, including precise ingredient lists, preparation methods, and plating instructions.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback on new dishes.
• Develop food costings for new menu items, ensuring profitability and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Stay current with global culinary trends, ingredient innovations, and competitor offerings.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and procurement teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Develop training materials and conduct virtual training sessions for culinary teams on new recipes and techniques.
• Ensure all developed recipes meet required food safety and quality standards.
• Document all development processes, recipes, and findings meticulously.
• Explore opportunities for menu innovation to enhance customer experience and brand appeal.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years focused on recipe and menu development in a high-volume catering or restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating innovative and appealing dishes across various cuisines.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and profitability analysis.
• Exceptional palate and sensory evaluation skills.
• Proficiency in recipe development software and standard office applications.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, particularly in a remote setting.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience is essential.
• Knowledge of food trends and sustainable culinary practices.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement offering significant flexibility.
• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to be a key driver of culinary innovation for a leading company.
• Professional development in areas of culinary trends and remote collaboration.
• Work with a talented and passionate global team.
• Access to resources for continuous learning and skill enhancement.