Director of Culinary Innovation

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Description
Purpose of the position: Drive the creative direction of the menu by researching culinary trends and creating innovative recipes and products that lead to positive sales increases and enhanced consumer value perception. Define vision for new product innovation by sizing revenue opportunity, defining unique brand proposition, assessing competitive landscape and determining operational feasibility. Essential Duties and Responsibilities New Product Development Specific Requirements: • Participate as a member/leader of a cross-functional team in the development of new product initiatives for the permanent menu, seasonal products and regional specific products • Lead the development of new products based off strategic blueprints developed through consumer research that are aligned with company business goals and objectives • Responsible to take consumer-driven menu items to market in the restaurants • Partner with the Finance Department and evaluate the financial impact of test items • Responsible for the development of food and packaging and assist with the testing of equipment tied to new product concepts General Product Development Requirements for New Products: • Work with vendors, consultants and the **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. R&D Team in the building of bench top samples while in the test kitchen or at a vendor’s R&D facility • Lead research testing and collect analytical data of products to quantify yield, quality, cost, ingredient declaration and nutritional quality • Coordinate product taste team meetings to measure organoleptic qualities • Set Success Criteria Goals for and conduct consumer qualitative and quantitative research taste panels where applicable • Participate in the analysis of consumer taste panel research data to determine direction for product improvement next steps • Lead Senior Staff Product Tastings • Participate in the manufacture runs of products where applicable Technical Service Experience: Training and Operations Responsibilities: • As needed conduct training to test market field team • Conduct train the trainer sessions for Support Center Functional Personnel on product and/or process changes • Serve as a Functional Expert Advisor in the development of all training materials needed for test and system wide rollout • Review operational execution and employee needs to make recommendations on appropriate staffing • Support implementation of new products to ensure success of the company Financial Responsibilities: • Research and Development budget for new product development • Responsible for key costs related to the development of food products (food, packaging, labor) Job Qualifications – • Have a passion for food and a knowledge and respect for food flavors and textures • Trained Chef preferred • A broad knowledge of restaurant menu items and is familiar with current product trends and flavors, hands on experience is important • Must thrive on challenge and change. A strong can do attitude, flexibility, sense of urgency, and self-motivation is important to support this • A working knowledge of the Product Development Process and how a product grows from concept to implementation • Have a comfort level with working cross-functionally in a team to launch a product and being managed in a team that is not directed by Research and Development • A comfortable understanding of manufacturing and its process • Demonstrate all safety, production, and sanitation standards at all times • Personal traits including integrity, hard working, detail oriented, enthusiasm, service mindedness and friendliness • 7-10 years of experience in Culinary Innovation functions • Culinary or Hotel/Restaurant Management Degree strongly preferred Relationships/Contacts: CEO, Director of Product Marketing, VPs and Directors of Purchasing, Finance, HR, R&D, Training, and Operations. Disclaimer – The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. reserves the right at its sole discretion to amend its policies, programs and/or guidelines, including the contents of this job description, at any time without prior notice. **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***. Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status.
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