Remote Culinary Innovation Architect

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

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.