R&D Product Development Chef

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Tokyo Gardens Company, LLC (TGC) is a Houston-based company providing full-service sushi and Asian food operations in retail stores, universities and corporate offices nationwide for over 20 years. Our company is growing rapidly, and every team member plays a key role in that growth. Our success is driven by delivering real results for our clients. It's also enabled by our culture, which supports personal growth and development, embraces an inclusive work culture, and rewards innovation and excellence.

Our company is expanding rapidly and is seeking for a talented R&D Product Development Chef who has passion and is eager to learn about the grocery retail industry. You will be involved in every step of the product development process from ideation to getting the products on retail shelves. We are seeking a candidate that is self-motivated, willing to learn and high energy. A strong candidate will have the ability to embrace change and thrive in a fast-paced environment, pay attention to detail, and always take extra steps to make sure everything is done correctly. Your dedication and hard work will be rewarded with competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth.

www.tgcsushi.com / www.sushicllc.com - visit us to learn more!

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development process from concept to commercialization for our Sushi and Asian Grill ‘RTE’ (Ready To Eat) product lines by leveraging in-depth research, trend analysis, and operational considerations.
• Apply menu and flavor trends relevant to customer demographics, focus on quality, health, and convenience.
• Lead product development sessions and assist in presenting new items, internally and externally, in a succinct manner to drive to decision making.
• Document and manage all recipe formulation, cost analysis, ‘VTAs’ (Visual Training Aids), and all other project information.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams (QA, marketing, regional management, logistics, and accounting) during all stages of development.
• Improve development methodologies through digital optimization and internal process simplification.
• Using softwares (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Indesign, Canva) to document formulations.
• Develop step-by-step SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) with practical and precise ingredient measurements.
• Assist reviewing sensory evaluation data and generating reports with visualization tools and providing analysis results.
• Developing digital presentations (PowerPoint, Canva) to showcase new food concepts.
• Managing ingredient sourcing and supplier communication.
• Educate the team on modern culinary techniques and flavor profiles that can be integrated into current product development strategies.
• Engage in effective project management by setting measurable deliverables and expectations in a timely manner with external and internal clients.
• Experienced in training and leading culinary teams in partnership with store operators.
• Open and receptive to feedback on modifications, adjustments, and reformulations of new and existing menu items, as requested by clients, customers, team members, store operators, and vendors.
• Support our local catering division with new menu development and on-site catering events as needed.
• Be willing to travel (up to 25%) to assist store openings, training sessions, trade shows and research trips to explore new ideas.
  
  

Requirements

• 3-5 years of industry experience working in a data-driven setting.
• 1 years experience in sushi, Asian restaurant, or product development is a plus.
• Culinary Arts or Food Science related degree is a plus.
• 3 years in computer skills (Excel formulas, Outlook, Gmail, Google drive).
• Strong problem solving and analytical thinking and demonstrated use of the scientific method (identifying controls, trends, and experimental design).
• Experience in formulation with attention to documenting details and commercializing recipes.
• Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced environment where efficiency is important.
• Experience with a diverse array (I.e., ‘Fine dining to quick service’) of kitchen operations.
• Strong knowledge of sauces, seasoning, food ingredients and their functions.
• Hardworking attitude and readiness to contribute to our team environment.
  
  

Benefits

• Paid vacation and personal time off
• 401k plan with company match
• Annual bonus / Incentives
• Fully paid health benefits for employee (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-term disability insurance)
• Cell phone and laptop are provided
  
  

Additional Information

• Work location: TGC HQ office, with up to 25% travel by car or plane
• Job Type: Full time Salaried Position
• COVID-19 update: Company has applied and implemented every safety measurement to provide a safer working environment.
  
  

Tokyo Gardens Company, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.