Food Innovation Lead

Own it While it’s Hot

 Every job promises good culture and opportunity. But here, they’re real and yours for the taking.

We’ve been serving up golden-crumbed, pan-fried schnitzels since 2007, using a traditional Polish family recipe. Yup, we’ve sure grown in that time - from a small family business into a nationwide franchise! But the passion and care we put into crafting each schnitzel hasn’t changed, even if the wallpaper has. If good food, good people and good service matter to you, you owe it to yourself to give it a crack at our place.

Find a Story that Matters and a Career You Can Own

Schnitz is about more than food. Behind every order is a team jam packed with people who genuinely care. As part of our team at the Support Office, you'll love the hustle, the energy and the team connection in equal measure. you'll also relish the opportunity you have to move the dial - to show up and take something great and make it far, far better.

Every Schnitzer has their own story. Like you, they're chasing their own happiness, hopes and dreams. That matters here. You matter here. So, whatever your role, we want you to win, as you achieve and grow with us.

The Role Recipe

• Lead the development of innovative food products from concept to launch, incorporating market trends, consumer insights, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, insights, supply chain, and operations to ensure products are scalable, profitable, and aligned with brand strategy.
• Manage new product processes, including Stage & Gate documentation, ingredient sourcing, equipment trials, and kitchen testing with key stakeholders.
• Own Level 2 Test Kitchen operations, including equipment maintenance, usage oversight, and supporting food service for meetings and innovation sessions.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and supply partners, attending meetings, tasting sessions, and capturing key outcomes to support NPD goals.
• Ensure compliance with quality and food safety standards, staying informed on regulatory and sustainability requirements.
• Support strategic planning and reporting, contributing to the long-term innovation pipeline, LTO development, and budget tracking.

Key Ingredients

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, or a related field.
• 4 years of experience in food product development, innovation, or R&D within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, food processing techniques, and sensory analysis.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Passion for food trends, sustainability, and consumer-driven innovation.

Looking for a Career that Will Pan Out?

At Schnitz, we know the best things in life come wrapped up in a golden, crispy crumb. But on top of the seriously good food, there’s lots more to love about a career with Schnitz. Our people say three things really stand out:

● A true team that feels like family: Connect with real people who genuinely care, and be part of a true team you can celebrate wins with and lean on when you need it most.

● Real skills that set you up: We offer a real opportunity to build a fun and rewarding career you can truly own.

● A great product and a story that counts: We're more than a food business. We're a proud Australian success story and we're looking for talented people who'll help write the next chapter with us - to build your legacy with ours.

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from Naveeka, who joined us as a Team Member back in 2014 and has now progressed to an amazing career in HR!

“I’m very close with my family; that’s really important to me. And that’s what working at Schnitz feels like – everyone just feels like family.”

Schnitz is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace environment. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds - not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes our organisation stronger. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other people of colour, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and those with a disability.