R&D Chef – Sauces & Flavor Innovation

Role Overview

R&D Chef – Sauces & Flavor Innovation

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and unique sauces that match Pokket Café’s fast-food style menu.
• Research global food trends, regional flavor profiles, and customer preferences.
• Standardize sauce recipes with accurate measurements and methods for kitchen replication.
• Conduct product trials and tastings with chefs, managers, and focus groups.
• Collaborate with purchasing team for sourcing ingredients at scale.
• Work with operations team to train café staff on sauce use, storage, and applications.
• Ensure recipes are cost-effective, shelf-stable (as required), and safe for production.
• Maintain a documentation system for all R&D trials, ingredients, and versions.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10+ years experience as a chef in R&D, QSR, or commercial kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of sauces: emulsions, reductions, flavor infusions, and regional spices.
• Familiar with batch production, food safety, and HACCP guidelines.
• Ability to balance creativity with practicality and cost control.
• Strong palate and ability to work with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian bases (as applicable).
• Comfortable using kitchen tech tools and food processors for trials.

Qualifications

• Culinary Degree/Diploma from a recognized institute (Hotel Management or Culinary Arts).
• Specialized training in sauce-making or food innovation (preferred but not mandatory).

Bonus Qualities

• Passion for flavor innovation and experimentation.
• Understanding of food trends in Indian and global café markets.
• Attention to detail and commitment to brand standards.

Salary- 8 Lakh/Year

Job Location- New Sangvi, Pune