R&D Chef

Job Description – R&D Chef

Job Title:

R&D Chef (Research & Development Chef)

Department:

Research & Development (R&D)

Category:

Chef

Reports To:

Head – R&D / Executive Chef / Product Development Manager

Job Summary:

The R&D Chef is responsible for developing innovative recipes and food products, improving existing menu items, and ensuring products meet quality, cost, safety, and customer expectations. The role involves conducting product trials, standardizing recipes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support successful product launches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop new recipes, menu items, and food products.

• Improve existing recipes for taste, quality, consistency, and cost.

• Conduct kitchen trials and product testing.

• Standardize recipes, cooking methods, and portion sizes.

• Prepare detailed recipe cards and product specifications.

• Work closely with Procurement to identify suitable ingredients and suppliers.

• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, and Marketing teams during product development.

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

• Analyze customer feedback and market trends to develop innovative products.

• Calculate recipe costs and recommend cost-effective alternatives.

• Support product launches with demonstrations and staff training.

• Maintain accurate documentation of recipes, trials, and product specifications.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field.

• Certification in Food Safety (preferred).

Experience:

• 3–8 years of culinary experience, including experience in product development or R&D in restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, QSRs, or food manufacturing.

Skills Required:

• Strong culinary and food presentation skills.

• Knowledge of food ingredients, processing, and preservation techniques.

• Recipe development and standardization.

• Costing and inventory knowledge.

• Food safety and hygiene practices (HACCP/FSSAI knowledge preferred).

• Creativity and innovation.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Attention to detail and analytical thinking.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for documentation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of successful product launches.

• Recipe standardization and documentation accuracy.

• Product quality and customer acceptance.

• Food cost optimization.

• Timely completion of R&D projects.

• Compliance with food safety and quality standards.

• It is a Full Time Cook / Chef job for candidates with 2 - 4 years of experience.