Assistant Manager Product Development – Food Services

About the role

National Foods Limited is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead the evolution of its institutional and food‑service product portfolio. The role will work closely with sales and culinary teams to take new concepts from idea through to commercial launch, ensuring compliance with market trends and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to generate and develop new food product ideas for institutional/HORECA customers.
• Analyse market trends, competitor offerings and customer preferences to identify innovation opportunities.
• Create and refine recipes and formulations, balancing taste, texture, nutrition, shelf‑life and cost.
• Ensure all product development activities meet food safety and labeling regulations.
• Conduct sensory panels and trials with key customers and incorporate feedback.
• Manage end‑to‑end product development timelines, resources and launch coordination.
• Scale laboratory recipes to commercial production and work with procurement and supply‑chain on ingredient sourcing and sustainability.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related field (or postgraduate degree with reduced experience requirement).
• 4–6 years of experience in food product development for institutional or food‑service markets (2–3 years for postgraduate holders).

Required skills

• Food product formulation and recipe development.
• Sensory evaluation and consumer testing.
• Regulatory compliance with food safety, labeling and allergen standards.
• Cost optimization and ingredient sourcing.