Role OverviewThe R&D Chef Manager serves as a key culinary partner and right hand to the Director of Culinary, leading day-to-day culinary product development, operational support, and execution of customer samples. The role translates culinary vision into production-ready recipes and ensures consistent, high-quality execution from concept through manufacturing.
What You Will Do
Lead culinary product development, create new meals for various sectors, own execution and quality of customer and sales sample requests, provide operational support on the plant floor, and collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, QA, Procurement, and Production.
Why It Might Be a Fit
The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of progressive culinary or restaurant experience, a culinary degree, and experience in food manufacturing and culinary R&D/product development. They will be able to manage multiple projects and timelines concurrently, have strong communication and collaboration skills, and be able to work on-site at the Berkeley, IL facility.
Requirements
- 5-10 years of progressive culinary or restaurant experience
- Culinary degree from an accredited culinary program
- Experience in food manufacturing and culinary R&D/product development strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of recipe scaling, food safety standards, and large-scale production processes
- Working knowledge of food safety and regulatory frameworks (HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA labeling requirements)
- ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification required; HACCP certification a plus
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines concurrently
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and time off
- Salary range of $75,000 – $90,000 annually
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