Culinary Innovation/Product Development

Description Below you'll find the job description: Culinary Innovation & Product Development + Support development of new menu items and ingredients aligned with brand culinary standards and regional consumer preferences. + Translate marketing briefs and innovation concepts into prototypes, recipes, and scalable menu solutions. + Prepare prototypes for internal tastings, supplier development sessions, and innovation reviews. + Support sensory evaluations, product cuttings, and comparative tastings to validate product quality and consistency. + Document recipes, preparation methods, and culinary standards. Product Launch execution + Assist in executing launch of new and existing menu items from concept through regional rollout. + Work with suppliers and internal teams to evaluate ingredient functionality, formulation adjustments, and manufacturing feasibility. + Support development and refinement of ingredient specifications with Quality Assurance. + Ensure products meet brand culinary expectations while remaining operationally executable in restaurant environments. Supplier Collaboration & Culinary Insights + Participate in supplier tastings, ideation sessions, and innovation workshops. + Support collaboration with supplier culinary and R& D teams to explore new ingredients, processes, and product improvements. + Help identify opportunities to improve taste, cost efficiency, and operational performance. + Support process for new regional supplier validation + Lead Commercial trial runs with suppliers for regional projects + Lead Spec development process alongside QA/Procurement Cross-Functional Support + Partner with Innovation and Marketing teams to translate consumer insights into product development opportunities. + Support Operations teams in validating preparation methods, equipment settings, and holding procedures. + Assist Procurement teams in identifying potential sourcing and specifications. Project & Test Kitchen Support + Assist in coordinating culinary testing, supplier engagement, and product validation. + Support internal culinary demonstrations, product testing sessions, and innovation workshops. + Help track innovation and commercialization projects across multiple markets and brands. Requirements Qualifications + Education in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or related fields. + 2-4 years of experience in culinary development, food and beverage R& D, product development, or foodservice innovation. + Culinary foundation with interest in food science, ingredient functionality, and product development. + Experience working in a commercial kitchen, culinary lab, or food innovation environment. + Familiarity with recipe development, product prototyping, and culinary testing methods. + Basic understanding of food manufacturing or large-scale foodservice operations is a plus. + Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). + Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Skills + Passion for global cuisines and emerging food trends. + Experience in Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) or large-scale foodservice environments. + Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills are a plus. + Ability to travel up to 30-40%. Innovation starts with people.® Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .