Culinary Innovation Specialist - Arby's

About the role

Supports the Culinary Development Team's workstreams by executing product preparation and kitchen testing. Responsible for supporting the delivery/planning of product development food showings, special events, Inspire and AFA Board meetings, CLT's, Executive Team meetings, focus group taste panels, and agency showings. Owns day-to-day product preparation and Arby's areas of Inspire Test Kitchen. Support execution of assigned new product development menu items, equipment/smallwares, and processes to support Arby's Culinary Team objectives. Culinary is the heartbeat of the Arby's brand strategy & business – our equity is based on menu diversity that sets new standards for quality in QSR.

Responsibilities

• Provide project support for Culinary Development Team
• Support organoleptic evaluations of test and production samples as assigned
• Assist in the execution of product presentations for key stakeholders
• Assist in the planning and execution of food preparation for product showings
• Manage and maintain Arby's test kitchen storage areas for product availability, ease of access, organization, and shelf life
• Support Product Development special events and product showings for internal stakeholders to include but not limited to AFA Board, Inspire Board, executive team, agency reviews, merchandising/ops reviews, company special events, pre-production showings for photo shoots and TV commercials
• Support labor needs for each event and manage team and the execution in the venue
• Manage the setup of Test Kitchen or special facilities for food showings
• Assist with the management of special food ordering requests for the test kitchen for product showings, taste panels, and photo shoots
• Assist with Product Development external special events and product showings for all external stakeholders to include but not limited to CLT's, Focus Groups, Franchise Convention/Conference, photo shoots, TV commercials, and Agency Showings
• Support labor needs for each event and manage team for the execution at each facility
• Assist with Culinary innovation & product development, including core menu and LTO innovation
• Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the innovation process, including concept/ideation, product development, in-market testing & commercialization for system launch
• Support translating culinary briefs into product innovation that drives new guest acquisition and industry-leading guest satisfaction
• Assist Insights Team to conduct consumer/guest research to understand consumer needs & product optimization, including execution/preparation of product for testing
• Support vendor partners in developing new products from concept to prototype, prototype to costed commercially viable sample, and through system commercialization process
• Research culinary trends and competitive innovation

Qualifications

• 4 Year Degree with a Concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science/Food Technology/closely related scientific discipline
• 0-3 Years of Experience preferred: Restaurant culinary, restaurant operations, food manufacturing, food laboratory

Skills

• Passion for Food & Culinary Arts – deep interest in food and flavors
• Collaboration – ability to work collaboratively across teams of varying backgrounds
• Strategy & program development – ability to take idea to execution, while managing multiple priorities
• Strong organization – balance multiple priorities, keep timelines & records, clear written & verbal communication
• Thrives in ambiguity – ability to multi-task and move quickly on tight timelines while maintaining strong work product & quality standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)