About the position
ENVIRONMENT:
YOUR passion for food, innovation & creating memorable customer experiences is sought to fill the role of a New Product Developer of a Centurion-based organization in the Fast-Food Space. You will support and manage the full New Product Development (NPD) cycle—from ideation and testing through to recipe formulation, feedback loops, and national launch. The role plays a crucial part in maintaining product quality, enabling diversification, and driving commercial growth through innovation. You will also contribute to projects across sister brands and dark kitchen concepts, support Operational and Customer Service teams with product queries, and help translate emerging trends into commercially viable menu items. Applicants will require a Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Consumer Science or similar with prior work experience in Product Development or Food Innovation role (QSR/FMCG preferred) including knowledge of nutrition, costing, food safety, and quality standards & be proficient with Project Management tool, [URL Removed] & Concept Development -
- Conduct idea generation sessions and identify market trends and gaps.
- Contribute to innovation across the business, sister brands, and dark kitchen concepts.
- Assist with concept development while considering operational, packaging, and delivery constraints.
- Test new ingredients or processes to reduce cost, improve quality, and reduce waste.
Testing & Feedback -
- Conduct internal tastings and collaborate with Marketing on competitor analysis.
- Use the Innovation Station and focus groups to gather structured consumer feedback.
- Facilitate iterative improvement cycles using AI, QR surveys, and store-level input.
Project Management & Process Execution -
- Implement the formal NPD process including idea screening, feasibility checks, costing, and launch prep.
- Ensure proper documentation of nutritional analysis, training materials, and rollout readiness.
- Maintain up-to-date product databases and development logs via [URL Removed] automating where possible.
Market Research & Brand Alignment -
- Collaborate with Marketing and Customer Insight teams to conduct trend analyses and market audits.
- Provide ongoing feedback to Operations, Training, and Customer Service on product-related issues.
Launch & Go-to-Market -
- Prepare launch materials including training guides, costings, styling inputs for campaigns, and internal comms.
- Support Area and Corporate Managers through on-site training and implementation during new product rollouts.
REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications –
- Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Consumer Science, or similar.
Experience/Skills -
- Previous experience in a Product Development or Food Innovation role (QSR/FMCG preferred).
- Knowledge of nutrition, costing, food safety, and quality standards.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Digital Project Management platforms including [URL Removed] to interpret trends and translate insights into practical product applications.
- Travel will be expected occasionally, to Concept Stores, the Central Kitchen, suppliers, trade shows, or franchisee meetings.
- Extended hours and weekend availability may be required during critical development or launch phases.
Advantageous –
- A background in QSR, FMCG, or franchise-based innovation.
ATTRIBUTES:
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong planning, documentation, and communication skills.
- Team player who can work independently in fast-paced environments.
- Creative thinker with a passion for food and the customer experience.
While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.
COMMENTS:
When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. OnlySA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Apply here [URL Removed] e-mail a Word copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed] and mention the reference number of the job.
Desired Skills:
