Job Title: Culinary Innovation Specialist

Department: InnovationReports To: Culinary Innovation Director

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation Specialist plays a vital role in developing innovative, consumer-focused meal solutions that reflect current food trends and meet high-quality standards. This position blends culinary creativity with strategic product development and supports the creation and launch of new products across foodservice and retail channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of new protein-based product concepts and meal solutions in alignment with strategic growth objectives

• Translate culinary and market trends, consumer insights, and data into innovative product ideas

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Marketing, and Sales—to bring products from ideation through commercialization

• Conduct competitive benchmarking and participate in product tastings to assess flavor, texture, and ingredient profiles

• Prepare and refine culinary prototypes based on internal feedback and sensory evaluations

• Coordinate with procurement teams to source ingredients and support cost-effective formulations

• Participate in customer presentations, trade shows, and ideation sessions

• Maintain expertise in food trends, cooking techniques, ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent culinary certification required; a bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field is preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in culinary product development, preferably in protein-based or consumer packaged goods (CPG) categories

• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and production processes

• Excellent communication, presentation, and sensory evaluation skills

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment

• Passion for food, flavor, and delivering memorable eating experiences

Preferred Skills

• Experience with marination, breading, or grilled protein product development

• Background in both foodservice and retail product innovation

• Familiarity with stage-gate innovation processes and commercialization workflows