Java House, one of East Africa’s most recognizable coffee house brands, is currently seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team across a range of exciting roles. From product innovation to branch operations, this is your opportunity to grow with a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of food and beverage in the region. With a heritage of culinary excellence and an innovative outlook, Java House is committed to delivering quality, value, and a memorable experience to its customers — and we need talented people like you to help make that possible.
New Product Development Assistant Chef
Location: Nairobi
Experience Required: 3 years in product development; 5 years in food production
Number of Vacancies: 1
Application Deadline: 30th July 2025
Primary Purpose and Scope of the Job
This role is central to Java House’s innovation and product strategy. The New Product Development Assistant Chef is responsible for integrating consumer insights, brand strategy, and market trends into tangible, appealing food and beverage offerings. The goal is to position Java House brands at the forefront of culinary innovation in East Africa.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Innovation and Concept Development
- Create and maintain a multi-year innovation pipeline for Java House and its subsidiaries.
- Support brand strategies through commercial innovation initiatives.
- Identify market trends to generate compelling product ideas.
- Collaborate with chefs and cross-functional departments to ensure feasibility and alignment with technical and financial parameters.
- Develop new food and beverage platforms suitable for various Java House concepts.
Product Management and Business Interaction
- Oversee the conceptualization and market introduction of new products.
- Monitor performance during the first year in the market and beyond.
- Enhance current product offerings to meet evolving consumer needs.
- Work with finance on P&L, volume forecasting, pricing, and trade strategies.
- Develop and maintain product development protocols and ensure team compliance.
- Generate regular product performance reports.
Research and Development
- Conduct food industry R&D to improve product performance and business outcomes.
- Present innovations to customer panels and focus groups for validation.
Customer and Team Collaboration
- Act as the primary liaison for customers regarding product innovation.
- Support co-creation efforts by interpreting customer feedback into viable product ideas.
- Coordinate handover of products to process development and engineering teams.
- Explore and implement new production methods or stages to improve efficiency.
Technical and Analytical Responsibilities
- Generate new product ideas and assess their market and regulatory feasibility.
- Optimize menu item costs and map marketing initiatives for offers and promotions.
- Liaise with engineering, technical, and production departments.
- Document technical data, specifications, and analytical reports.
- Stay updated with the latest in food science and technology.
- Supervise multiple development projects concurrently.
Key Accountabilities and Performance Indicators
- 100% completion of trials as per schedule.
- Full documentation of trial reports.
- Completion of at least four internal audits per month.
- Timely sampling and evaluation of new ingredients with comprehensive reporting.
Special Requirements
- Degree or diploma in food manufacturing or food science.
- Culinary qualifications preferred.
- Experience in industrial food processing and cost management.
- Passion for culinary innovation, strong analytical and communication skills, and ability to work under pressure.
Why Join Java House?
At Java House, we don’t just serve food — we craft experiences. Whether you’re in the kitchen, at the front counter, or innovating behind the scenes, you will be part of a company that values creativity, integrity, and community. We offer:
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- The chance to be part of a brand that is constantly evolving and expanding.
- Training and mentorship from industry leaders.
- Competitive terms of employment based on experience and role.
How to Apply
To apply for the New Product Development Assistant Chef position, please ensure your application is submitted by 30th July 2025.
If you are applying for other roles such as Branch Operations Team Member, Branch Supervisor, or Cook, please refer to the application portal or the communication channels provided in the job listing.
