Product Development Specialist - International Markets (Africa)

Job Description

• Pedros is looking for an experienced Senior Product Development Specialist to lead product development for our international markets across Africa, reporting to the Deputy Head of Product Development 2IC.
• This is a hands-on, specialist role responsible for adapting existing products and developing new products for individual African markets — balancing local taste preferences, ingredient availability and regulatory requirements with the consistency of the Pedros brand experience.
• The role requires regular travel to current and prospective markets across the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities

International Product Development

• Lead the localisation and adaptation of Pedros' core menu for new and existing African markets, balancing local taste preferences with brand consistency.
• Develop new products and limited-time offers tailored to specific country or regional markets across Africa.
• Conduct in-market research, including local taste testing and consumer feedback sessions, to inform product decisions.
• Assess local ingredient availability and identify substitute ingredients or suppliers where required, without compromising product quality or brand standards.
• Prepare product costings and margin analysis specific to each market's cost base, currency and pricing environment.
• Ensure all products meet local food safety, labelling and regulatory requirements in each market, working with legal and compliance stakeholders as needed.
• Support new market entry by developing launch menus and product rollout plans in partnership with local franchise partners.

Market & Franchise Partner Collaboration

• Act as the Product Development point of contact for international franchise partners and in-market teams across Africa.
• Travel regularly to current and prospective African markets to conduct product trials, supplier visits and launch support.
• Build strong working relationships with in-market operations, marketing and supply chain teams to ensure successful product rollouts.
• Provide training and product knowledge support to franchise partners and in-market teams on new product launches.
• Feed local market insights and trends back into the broader Product Development strategy.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on international product development projects, timelines, costings and post-launch performance by market.
• Monitor competitor activity, food trends and regulatory changes across African markets to inform future development.
• Recommend improvements to processes for adapting and launching products across multiple international markets.

Requirements

Essential

• Several years of previous experience in a Product Development role, ideally within food, FMCG, retail or QSR Quick Service Restaurant environments.
• Proven experience developing or adapting products for international or multi-country markets, ideally within Africa.
• Strong recipe development and food science fundamentals, with an understanding of costing and margin implications across different markets.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and extensively across African markets.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work effectively with in-market and franchise partner teams.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, able to manage multiple concurrent projects across different markets and time zones.

Desirable

• Experience within the QSR, restaurant or food franchise industry, particularly in an international or multi-market capacity.
• Existing knowledge of, or working experience in, African food markets and consumer trends.
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Culinary Arts, International Business or a related field.
• Additional language skills relevant to African markets.
• Valid passport and ability to secure travel visas for African countries.

Closing Date 01 October 2026