Culinologist Position Available In Polk, Florida

Job Summary:

The Culinologist is a vital member of the Innovation team, blending culinary arts with food science to develop high-quality, innovative products for large-scale manufacturing. This role collaborates cross-functionally, leads bench-top development projects, and delivers impactful culinary presentations to both internal and external stakeholders.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Development:

Create, modify, and optimize food product recipes for large-scale production, considering factors such as taste, texture, shelf life, and cost. Collaborate with chefs (supplier & customer), food scientists, and production teams to scale up recipes while ensuring consistency and quality. At the onset of projects, must be able to create culinary gold-standard recipes. Act as an extension of the sales team to provide consultative recommendations on foodservice operations, product optimization, comparative testing, and recipe development according to customer needs.

Ingredient Sourcing and Evaluation:

Conduct extensive research on new and existing ingredients, evaluating their suitability for inclusion in food product formulations. Establish relationships with suppliers and participate in ingredient sourcing and selection processes. Partner with supplier culinary teams to stay abreast of culinary trends & fads.

Formulation and Recipe Optimization:

Formulate and optimize recipes for existing and new products. Conduct sensory evaluations and product testing to ensure quality and consistency. Implement strategies to improve flavor & nutritional profiles and meet regulatory requirements. Manages the input and maintenance of BOMs in Sage.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Foster collaboration among various departments, including sales, marketing, supply chain, operations, and quality assurance. Work closely with sales and marketing teams to understand customer needs and market dynamics. Collaborate with external partners, including suppliers and research institutions, to drive innovation.

Management:

Oversee multiple innovation projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget. Implement project management best practices to drive efficiency and effectiveness. Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to innovation projects.

Collaboration & Leadership:

Provide mentorship and guidance to peers & junior team members. Support Innovation staff by providing application development support, sensory testing, and flavor pairing insights. Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Culinologist with a blend of culinary arts and food science expertise. A bachelor’s degree in either field is required-ideally both-and CCS or CRC certification is preferred. The ideal candidate is a true foodie with a passion for flavor, innovation, and hands-on development.

Requirements:

5+ years of experience in food product development and formulation Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, ingredient functionality, and food processing Proven ability to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams Experience with sensory evaluation and presenting technical information clearly Understanding of food safety regulations and industry standards Ability to lift up to 50 lbs Willingness to travel domestically up to 25% Full-time, onsite role (Monday-Friday)