Culinary Product Development Manager

Join our passionate team at Luna Grill, where we believe that exceptional food is at the heart of unforgettable experiences. We are dedicated to innovation and quality, and we’re looking for a Culinary Product Development Manager to elevate our culinary offerings and enhance guest satisfaction.   As the Culinary Product Development Manager, you will lead our innovative kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of quality while transforming product concepts into reality. This position requires a strong culinary technical background, expertise in ingredient development and the ability to multi-task and collaborate effectively across departments.   Why Join Us? At Luna Grill, you’ll be part of a dynamic team committed to culinary excellence and innovation. If you’re ready to make a significant impact on our brand and guest experience, we want to hear from you!   LUNA-TIC Responsibilities: Lead the creation of product recipes, including product formulation, and managing the initial production scale up for consumer research and initial restaurant testing within the project timeline.   Responsible for recipe & formula/specification development in partnership with vendors. Creating ingredients that meet Luna Grills food values & within the parameters set by cross functional partners. Manage the creation and execution of product development calendar within a 1-year product pipeline. Responsible for handling all aspects of new ingredient testing and ensuring consistency across all restaurants. Lead product tastings during sample and new product showings, participate in competitor shopping and ideation sessions. Creates products that fall within the F&P parameters utilizing the recipe/inventory management system to validate cost throughout the development. Once product approved, works with 3rd party to obtain nutritional information for menu platforms. Conducts continuous research on internal and external trends, as well as competitor product development, and incorporates findings into recipe development and menu optimization. Tests and evaluates system ingredients and/or packaging optimizations to streamline back of house operations to maintain consistency and Luna’s high-quality standards Culinary Leadership: Responsible for the Culinary Assistant who is responsible for maintaining equipment, samples & prep for showing meetings. Manage the preparation and delivery of detailed presentations on new products/menu optimization to Executive Team and Departments with a high degree of competence and enthusiasm. Help foster an environment for continuous learning, growth & collaboration between the culinary team. Ability to manage & communicate effectively any impacts to the project timeline with cross functional partners & executives.  Cross- Functional Leadership: Collaborate with relevant cross functional partners to identify & communicate trends in the new development process. Partners with Supply Chain & Restaurant Readiness in approving ingredients, packaging, small wares and/or packaging for new menu items. Works closely with Restaurant Excellence/Restaurant Readiness and Food Safety to develop product storage, preparation, hold, and delivery methods that comply with Health Department regulations and food safety requirements. Partners with Restaurant Excellence/Restaurant Readiness to prepare food products for field testing. Provides details of product development including photos to support the creation of SOP and marketing materials. Collaborate with Marketing and PR teams to promote new menu items and brand initiatives including attending food photography and video shoots.  LUNA-TIC Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in food science, or nutrition, culinary or related education is required A proven track record developing formulas and specifications on products or ingredients for a minimum of 5 years.   A minimum of 5 years of culinary or product development experience is required, preferably with a multi-chain provider. Working knowledge of restaurant operations and equipment to influence innovation and restaurant execution success. Possesses and maintains a valid driver’s license.

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000