Recipe Developer
Founded in 2014, Purple Carrot delivers clean, long-lasting energy through the power of plants. As the only company in America devoted entirely to plant-based eating, we have spent over a decade perfecting the balance of protein and fiber that only plants can provide. Offering chef-crafted, dietitian-designed meals delivered right to your door, we make plant-forward eating effortless, flexible, and endlessly exciting. Our menu spans quick weeknight dishes, occasion-worthy dinners, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Purple Carrot prioritizes taste and flexibility, offering no membership fees, the freedom to skip or unskip weekly deliveries whenever you want, and a no-pressure, cancel-anytime policy.
About the role
We are looking for a Recipe Developer to join our mission-driven team. As an integral part of the Culinary department, you will join forces with the Director of Culinary (to whom you will report) in our continued effort to inspire people to eat more plants! This position will play an important role in Purple Carrot's continued effort to cultivate the plant-based revolution — one meal at a time, through delicious, well-executed recipes.
This role is based in Chicago, IL, with on-site presence 3-5 days per week at our Culinary office and studio (West Town & Fulton Market) and creative and production partners as needed.
Responsibilities
- Drive end-to-end culinary recipe development from ideation through initial editorial steps, within menu timelines, operational guidelines, and nutrition and budget goals
- Own continual testing and optimization of Purple Carrot's recipes to improve customer experience, with a focus on ease, nutrition, and budget
- Accurately formulate, test, and document all recipes in accordance with standards set by the Director of Culinary
- Evaluate all recipes during development and team tastings, grounding decisions in recipe data and customer insights
- Contribute innovative, trend-forward recipe concepts through ongoing research and concept generation
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations, including inventory, maintenance, and cleanliness
- Collaborate on photoshoot prep, styling, and execution in partnership with the Creative team
- Manage the intake and documentation of all sample products
- Assist with ad-hoc projects and tasks as necessary
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience as a line cook, chef, or recipe developer; test kitchen experience a plus
- Culinary degree and/or related professional cooking experience
- Recipe writing experience, with food styling experience for e-commerce or editorial use
- Proficiency in Google Suite, especially Google Sheets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 35 lbs as needed
- Able to commute to the Chicago office/studio as required for this role
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing a wide range of recipe categories, including multiple serving sizes, dessert, and large-batch prepared
- Experience in meal kit or prepared recipe development
- Comfortable being on camera for social and marketing content, with a natural, engaging presence that reflects the fun and vibrant tone of our brand
- Experience using Asana project management platform
- Brings creativity and positivity to ambiguity, comfortable brainstorming and iterating with Culinary and Marketing on brand initiatives
Pay
The anticipated base salary range for this role is $60,000 - $70,000. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications, and the posted range is not a guarantee of any specific offer.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and life insurance
- Matching retirement plan
- Generous and flexible paid time off
- Purple Carrot box delivery credits
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative work environment with teammates passionate about food