What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Innovations Director position at Furmano Foods, Inc.?
Furmano Foods, Inc. is a single-site manufacturer with 350 employees located in Northumberland, PA, celebrating its 104th year of providing delicious and wholesome foods. We are a family-owned, 4th generation, growth-oriented business driven to exceed our customers' expectations by practicing biblical principles, providing exceptional service, and continuously improving.
Our Core Values:
We believe in the importance of Safety, Thankfulness, Honesty, Kindness, Unity, Diligence, and Stick-To-it-Iveness. These values guide our decisions and actions every day.
About the Role
Furmano Foods, Inc. is seeking an experienced and innovative Culinary Innovations Director to lead our new product development and food science initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food science principles, and consumer trends. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to manage tactical execution and detail in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development:
- Conceptualize, develop, and launch new food products aligned with company objectives and market trends.
- Work with cross-functional teams to conduct thorough market research and identify consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.
- Lead the New Product Development group to develop and track the NPD pipeline.
- Vet new product ideas with Operations and Manufacturing capabilities in mind.
- Manage co-pack relationships and commercialization and on-going manufacturing with third-party partners.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept to commercialization.
- Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, formulations, and process documentation.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to assess product quality and acceptability.
- Food Science:
- Apply food science principles to optimize product development, ensuring product safety, quality, and shelf life.
- Research and implement new food technologies and ingredients to enhance product innovation.
- Possess and maintain a strong understanding of food regulations (e.g., FDA, GFSI) and compliance standards.
- Conduct ingredient and supplier evaluations to ensure product integrity.
- Work with Quality Assurance through the commercialization process as needed.
- Team Leadership and Support:
- Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within the team.
- Provide technical guidance and support to the culinary team.
- Assist with customer or trade show presentations as needed.
- Business Acumen:
- Develop and manage Culinary and New Product Development budgets.
- Analyze product performance and profitability to inform future product strategies.
- Present product concepts and results to senior management.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 8 years in product development, culinary research, or related field.
- Proven track record of successful product launches.
- Strong understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality, processing techniques, and sensory evaluation.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
- Experience in Food Manufacturing industry.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Skills and Abilities:
- Proficient in recipe and menu development.
- Solid communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrates the ability to win business.
Physical Demands:
Good physical and mental health, sound judgment, and high moral standards.
Travel:
Approximately 25% of the time.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee Profit Sharing Bonus
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
