What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Innovation Manager position at Inspire Brands?
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the Product Innovation team in delivering against organizational and personal goals, objectives, and strategies
Work independently on development projects, with check-ins & guidance from supervisor as needed, and participate in the creation of new product development objectives while collaborating with cross functional teams including: New Product Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Quality Assurance, Brand Marketing and others as appropriate
Independently work with vendor partners to develop new products from gold-standard product to initial benchtop samples and through commercialization process. Own development of products. Make recommendations for improvements to current prototypes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in the development and creation of product specification per commercialized product with vendor partner, Commercialization Quality Assurance, and other teams as necessary
Provide raw material/formula specifications to Agile lead
Lead product taste tests and new product showings. Present product improvement/change recommendations based on taste test results and/or feedback to Culinary Innovation leadership
Partner with Procurement Team to develop accurate food & paper formulas.
Partner with cross-functional teams to identify enhancements to new product development and product improvement initiatives. Make recommendations to Culinary Innovation leadership for best course of action.
Manage the Product Innovation segment of the Product Lifecycle Management system
Plan and execute Product Showcase events to (and not limited to) JJs Senior Management, All Management Retreat, Board of Directors, Franchise Community, Marketing Leadership, Shareholders & JJs National Convention
Provide guidance and support to other Product Developers.
Oversee the planning and communication of the Culinary Support Team events/activities
Other duties assigned as needed.
Education Requirements
4 Year Degree preferred
In a culinary or food related field is required
In a culinary, culinary science, or food science field is preferred
3-5 Years of Experience Required
In a culinary or product development role required.
Experience in QSR culinary development highly preferred
Other Requirements:
True Passion for food!
Team player; collegial - good at supporting teams
Incorporate a ‘best first’ mentality and mindset that continues accelerate our innovation process
Excellent oral and written communication skills & presentation capabilities
Ability to set goals, determine priorities, plan, organize & follow through on assigned responsibilities
Ability to make recommendations & decisions in a timely manner
Ability to work independently & as a member of a team
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Accuracy & attention to detail an absolute must
We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.
