Culinary R&D Specialist

Job Summary

The Culinary R&D Specialist supports research and development chefs in creating innovative products.

Responsibilities

• Execute sample recipes from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Assist with special functions within the scope of R&D, both on-site and off-site.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the Culinary Center, including kitchen, pantry, cooler, and freezer spaces.
• Ensure optimal stock levels of ingredients through proper rotation, labeling, and storage.
• Requisition and record the usage of raw materials and ingredients as required.
• Set up kitchen equipment each morning, gather recipes, and procure necessary raw materials.
• Supply the culinary team with clean and sanitized equipment and raw materials throughout the day.
• Absorb and prepare recipes under supervision.
• Manage inventory and record-keeping for all development samples.
• Package, label, and ship development samples as needed.
• Cook and/or batch recipes under supervision.
• Coordinate product orders and arrange soup tastings for clients.
• Provide assistance to chefs during internal taste panels and customer visits as necessary.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree, or equivalent experience required.
• Requires one - three years of experience.
• On-the-job training of 3-6 months.
• Must be proficient with MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Outlook.

Skills Required

• Passion for food.
• Culinary training; i.e., cooking techniques / knife work / sanitation / HACCP / ingredient knowledge.
• ServSafe certification a plus.
• Ability to adapt and multi-task via a dynamic work environment with a positive attitude.
• Collaborative.
• Customer-Centric.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work requires occasional physical exertion including some lifting of objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time.
• Work performed by this position requires moderate mental concentration to effectively execute moderately complex tasks.
• Work requires continuous visual effort for extended periods of time.
• Employee works in a manufacturing setting with frequent exposure to heat/cold, dust, or other factors that may require protective equipment and still pose a hazard.
• This position has regular exposure to hazards that could result in significant injury and lengthy loss of time at work.
• Travel is not required for this position.