Head of R&D Culinary
The Judge Group Inc.

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Salary: $100,000.00 USD Annually - $160,000.00 USD Annually
Description:

Position Overview:

We are seeking a talented and creative Head of R&D Culinary with culinary training and 8+ years of experience in the food industry. The Head of R&D Culinary will play a vital role in our company's innovation and product development efforts. This dynamic individual will be responsible for creating and refining new recipes, optimizing existing ones, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring innovative food products to market. The ideal candidate should possess a passion for culinary excellence, a deep understanding of flavor profiles, and a keen eye for emerging food trends.

Responsibilities:

• Recipe Development: Lead the development of new recipes and product concepts that align with the company's vision, target market, and culinary trends.
• Innovation: Stay updated with industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging ingredients to drive innovation and uniqueness in product offerings.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all recipes meet high-quality standards, are scalable for production, and comply with food safety regulations.
• Cost Optimization: Work closely with the purchasing and production teams to optimize ingredient costs without compromising on quality or taste.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, and quality control, to bring new products from concept to launch.
• Testing and Evaluation: Conduct extensive testing and evaluation of recipes, considering taste, texture, and presentation to achieve the desired culinary experience.
• Menu Enhancement: Contribute to menu development for restaurants, cafes, or other foodservice establishments owned by the company.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of recipe development, modifications, and ingredients used.
• Training: Train kitchen staff on new recipes, cooking techniques, and plating presentations to ensure consistency across locations.
• Food Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards throughout the R&D process.
• Culinary expert for internal and external events (trade shows, sales presentations, etc.)

Requirements:

• Culinary Education: Completion of a culinary institute program or equivalent certification in culinary arts.
• Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience as an R&D Chef with a focus on recipe development or R&D in the food industry.
• Creativity: Demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop unique, trend-setting recipes.
• Culinary Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of various cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and ingredient functionalities.
• Team Player: Strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Food Passion: A genuine passion for food and culinary arts, with a constant desire to explore new flavors and cooking techniques.
• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to overcome challenges during the recipe development process.

Contact: spsmith@judge.com

This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Find us on the web at www.judge.com

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