Executive Chef – New Product Development

About the role

The reputable quick‑service restaurant client seeks an innovative Executive Chef to lead new product development, turning creative concepts into commercially viable menu items that can be rolled out across multiple locations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end new product development from concept ideation to commercial rollout.
• Convert creative concepts into scalable recipes, detailed SOPs and cost‑controlled menu items.
• Ensure all new products meet South African food safety, labelling and HACCP standards.
• Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and franchise teams to launch products on schedule.
• Mentor the NPD team, manage kitchen resources and budgets, and represent the brand at industry events.

Required profile

• Culinary Diploma or degree from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 8 years of professional culinary experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role.
• Proven track record in new product development within QSR, fast‑food or multi‑unit restaurant environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and scale recipes for high‑volume commercial kitchens.

Required skills

• Food costing and margin management.
• Yield analysis and menu engineering.
• Recipe creation, standardisation and SOP development.
• Sensory evaluation and consumer taste testing.
• Ingredient sourcing, supplier liaison and supply‑chain considerations.
• Knowledge of South African food safety, HACCP and labelling legislation.