Product Development & Quality Assurance Manager

Position Summary A growing Japanese restaurant company is seeking a Product Development & Quality Assurance Manager to lead menu development, recipe standardization, food cost analysis, and quality assurance initiatives. This role will support new product launches and ensure consistent quality and execution across corporate and franchise locations. Responsibilities Research food trends and develop new menu items, seasonal offerings, and product enhancements. Conduct recipe testing and create standardized recipes and product specifications. Analyze food costs, ingredient sourcing, and profitability. Visit restaurant locations to evaluate product quality and ensure recipe compliance. Identify operational issues and recommend process and quality improvements. Create recipe manuals, preparation guides, and training materials. Support product launches across corporate and franchise locations. Coordinate with U.S. and Japan-based stakeholders on product initiatives Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 5–10+ years of experience in restaurant product development, culinary innovation, menu development, or related food service fields. Experience developing recipes from concept through commercial implementation. Strong knowledge of food costing, ingredient sourcing, and restaurant operations. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Requirements Experience with Japanese or Japanese-inspired cuisine or international casual dining. Experience with multi-unit restaurant operations and/or franchise systems. Bilingual English/Japanese skills preferred. SALARY USD80K-96K Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance Company-paid holidays Unlimited PTO for exempt employees, subject to company policy and business needs 401(k) with company matching contributions of up to 5%, subject to eligibility and vesting requirements LOCATION Southern California Primarily office-based(Torrance, CA) with regular visits to restaurant locations. #countryUS