Consultant-Kitchen Automation Supervisor -ERP

ICRISAT is seeking a qualified and motivated Indian national for the role of Consultant – Kitchen Operations and Technology within its Corporate Services division. The selected candidate will lead kitchen operations by leveraging technology-driven processes to ensure efficient food production, accurate recipe costing, ERP integration, kitchen automation, inventory control, and data-driven decision-making. The role demands maintaining high culinary and food safety standards while driving digital transformation in catering services. This position is based at ICRISAT’s Headquarters in Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Digitalization & ERP Management: Serve as the focal point for kitchen digital transformation initiatives. Lead the implementation and ongoing improvement of ERP-based kitchen operations. Manage master data related to recipes, ingredients, menus, and inventory with accuracy. Monitor real-time kitchen performance through dashboards and reports. Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, IT, and Food Services teams to optimize digital workflows and promote paperless kitchen operations via automated systems and digital records.

Kitchen Automation: Implement and oversee Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), digital production planning, and automated inventory tracking. Develop automated workflows for requisition, production, and consumption. Enhance operational efficiency through technology-enabled forecasting and demand planning. Support integration of POS, ERP, inventory, and recipe management systems.

Recipe Costing & Menu Management: Maintain standardized recipes within ERP platforms. Conduct recipe costing and variance analysis. Track food cost trends and identify cost-saving opportunities. Assist in menu engineering and profitability analysis.

Data Analytics & Reporting: Generate key operational KPIs and performance reports. Analyze consumption patterns, wastage, yield variances, and production efficiency. Provide actionable insights to management to enhance operational performance.

Culinary & Gastronomy Support: Ensure recipes and production methods adhere to culinary standards. Collaborate with chefs to standardize recipes and improve product consistency. Support menu innovation while maintaining cost efficiency.

Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure HACCP and food safety records are digitally maintained. Monitor compliance through automated tracking and reporting systems.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Food Technology, Business, or Information Systems is essential, with an MBA or relevant master’s degree preferred. Candidates must have 5 to 10 years of experience in kitchen operations, food services, or ERP-based system implementation. Strong hands-on experience with ERP systems, kitchen automation tools, inventory management, and recipe costing is required. Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI or Tableau, with the ability to generate actionable insights, is necessary. A solid understanding of culinary operations, menu engineering, and food cost control is expected. Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards, along with experience in driving digital transformation and change management, is critical.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

Adaptability and resilience in learning and applying new technologies are important. The candidate should demonstrate excellent collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work across teams and drive user adoption of new systems. High accountability, ownership, and attention to detail are essential to ensure accuracy and quality in deliverables. Effective time management and prioritization skills, combined with a customer-focused approach and commitment to service excellence, are highly valued.

This is a contractual position for a duration of 12 months.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from all qualified candidates are encouraged regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. The position will remain open until filled, with shortlisting beginning from 2 July 2026. Applicants should submit their latest resume along with references knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.