Head of Culinary Innovation

Van Leeuwen is looking for a Head of Culinary Innovation to join our Innovation Team and work out of our Innovation Kitchen in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This position reports into our Director of Commercialization and will work directly with and alongside co-founder, Ben Van Leeuwen to think outside the box to create exciting concepts and develop new and delicious ice cream offerings (Scoops, Bars, Cakes, Soft Serve, Sundaes and More). This individual will have many opportunities for leaving their mark on the menu innovation strategy and processes for building a world-class ice cream experience.

This role will also be responsible for managing The Van Leeuwen Flavor Lab opening in Greenpoint, Brooklyn in 2025. They will be leading a customer-facing innovation kitchen to the highest standards of quality, creativity, organization and cleanliness. In addition to being the innovation engine for the entire Van Leeuwen business (CPG, Scoop Shops, International), The Flavor Lab will have production for sale and testing in the Flavor Lab scoop shop.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create best in class menu innovations under the direction of CEO Ben Van Leeuwen
• Oversee all Flavor Lab kitchen operations - this includes but is not limited to producing ice cream, testing product, and interfacing with customers
• Ensure all Flavor Lab kitchen operations are to Department of Health standards - this includes taking part in inspections as needed
• Research and implement new innovations for scoop shops, such as toppings and sundaes
• Work with Sales team to action wholesale feedback and create specialty flavors and products
• Partner closely with Learning Development to develop SOPs and rollout guides for all menu items
• Cross-functionally develop cadences, processes, SOPs, and roll out documentation to ensure successful product launches
• Partner with the Supply Chain and Commercialization team for distribution and pricing feasibility of new flavors
• Visit the field regularly to gather feedback and data to improve innovation output and quality
• Work with members of the Commercialization and Innovation team to scale up innovation projects for commercial production
• Create flavor samples and work on ad hoc retail projects as necessary
• Create a memorable scoop shop experience at the Flavor Lab site - from interfacing enthusiastically with customers to overseeing in-shop events
• Work effectively and professionally with Flavor Lab retail leadership

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• ServSafe Manager Food Protection certification
• 3 to 5 years of experience in a pastry or culinary role (Food Science background a plus)
• Experience in retail preferred
• Experience in a Pastry Chef capacity strongly preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite including Excel
• Ability to regularly lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time
• As our Flavor Lab is a fully operating kitchen and retail shop, this person will need to work kitchen/retail hours. Ability to be on site 5 days a week, with flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed is required

COMPENSATION BENEFITS

$90,00.00 - $120,000.00 annual compensation depending on experience, paid weekly

Eligible for annual 10% bonus

• Employee Scoop Card (Enjoy Ice Cream from any of our scoop shops nationwide)
• Medical, Dental Vision Insurance with 70% Employer Contribution
• 401k with up to 4% Employer Match
• Cell Phone Reimbursement Plan
• Wellness Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Time Off - 3 Weeks / 120 Hours Total
• Paid Sick Time
• Yearly Performance Reviews