Remote Menu Development Specialist - Catering

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a creative Remote Menu Development Specialist to join its culinary team. This fully remote role focuses on researching trends, designing menus for diverse events, and developing new recipes from a home office.

You will collaborate with chefs, sales and operations to ensure cost-efficiency, dietary compliance and client satisfaction across multiple locations, including opportunities near Mahikeng, North West.

Qualifications

• A culinary degree or equivalent professional experience in menu development or a chef role.
• Minimum of 3 years of menu development or related culinary work, preferably in catering or hospitality.
• Strong understanding of food costing, pricing strategies, and profitability analysis.
• Excellent research skills and keen eye for culinary trends.
• Proficiency in recipe writing and documentation.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills for remote teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify culinary trends, ingredients, and techniques for catering events.
• Develop innovative, cost-effective menus for corporate and private events.
• Create detailed recipes with precise measurements and plating guidance.
• Collaborate with chefs, sales, and operations to ensure feasibility and client satisfaction.
• Adapt menus for dietary requirements and client preferences.
• Analyze costs to ensure profitability and competitiveness.

Skills

Menu development

Recipe writing

Research skills

Remote collaboration

Food costing & profitability analysis

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Online collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a creative and resourceful Remote Menu Development Specialist to join their innovative culinary team. This fully remote position is ideal for a passionate foodie who excels at conceptualizing and designing appealing menus for a diverse range of catering events. You will be responsible for researching culinary trends, developing new recipes, and ensuring that all menus align with client needs, dietary considerations, and cost parameters, all from your home office. This role is crucial for maintaining our client's reputation for culinary excellence and supporting their operations across various locations, potentially including areas near Mahikeng, North West .

Key Responsibilities

Research and identify emerging culinary trends, ingredients, and techniques relevant to the catering industry. Develop innovative, appealing, and cost-effective menus for various event types (corporate, private, etc.). Create detailed recipes, including precise measurements, preparation instructions, and plating suggestions. Collaborate closely with chefs, sales teams, and operations managers to ensure menu feasibility and client satisfaction. Adapt menus to accommodate specific dietary requirements (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, allergies) and preferences. Analyze food costs and pricing structures to ensure profitability and competitiveness. Test and refine recipes, conducting tastings and gathering feedback as needed. Maintain a comprehensive database of recipes, menu concepts, and ingredient information. Ensure all menu creations comply with food safety and hygiene standards. Contribute to the overall culinary strategy and innovation of the company.

Requirements

A culinary degree or equivalent professional experience in recipe development, menu planning, or a chef role. Minimum of 3 years of experience in menu development or a related culinary role, preferably within the catering or hospitality sector. Proven ability to create diverse and appealing menus for various dietary needs and event styles. Strong understanding of food costing, pricing strategies, and profitability analysis. Excellent research skills and a keen eye for culinary trends. Proficiency in recipe writing and documentation. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in a remote team environment. Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable using various online collaboration tools. A passion for food and a commitment to culinary excellence.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement, and opportunities for professional growth and skill development. You will be part of a creative and forward-thinking company culture that values innovation and employee contribution. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the culinary offerings for a dynamic catering business, supporting clients potentially located near Mahikeng, North West .