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Assistant Culinary Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mendocinofarms

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

$140K - $180K/yr

Director of Culinary R&D Reports to: Chief Operations Officer Location: Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation ...

Lab37

Culinary R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

This isn't just an R&D role - you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll own ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33K - $45K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Lead or support training sessions for internal teams, sales partners, and customers. * Assist in ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33K - $45K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Lead or support training sessions for internal teams, sales partners, and customers. * Assist in ...

mendocinofarms

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

$140K - $180K/yr

Director of Culinary R&D Reports to: Chief Operations Officer Location: Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33K - $45K/yr

Were looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Lead or support training sessions for internal teams, sales partners, and customers. * Assist in ...

Winston Industries LLC

R&D Culinary Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Lead or support training sessions for internal teams, sales partners, and customers. * Assist in ...

Winston Industries LLC

$25K - $34K/yr

We're looking for an R&D Culinary Technologist to own how Winston equipment is tested, validated ... Lead or support training sessions for internal teams, sales partners, and customers. * Assist in ...

Edgewater

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Gather resident and team member feedback. * Assist in establishing the framework for future ... Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA

$32K - $44K/yr

Gather resident and team member feedback. * Assist in establishing the framework for future ... Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development

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How much do assistant culinary research development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant culinary research development in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Culinary Research Development vs Culinary Research Coordinator?

AspectAssistant Culinary Research DevelopmentCulinary Research Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires culinary or food science certifications, associate or bachelor’s degreeUsually requires similar certifications and experience in food research
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, test kitchens, food production facilitiesResearch labs, testing centers, collaboration with culinary teams
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departments, culinary innovation teamsFood industry, research institutions, product development firms
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in culinary R&DCompared for project management and research coordination roles

The Assistant Culinary Research Development role typically involves supporting food research and product testing under supervision, focusing on culinary innovation. The Culinary Research Coordinator often manages research projects, coordinates testing activities, and liaises between teams. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, the coordinator position usually involves more project management responsibilities.

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Assistant Culinary Research Development jobs near you

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Remote

mendocinofarms
See more jobs at mendocinofarmsexternal

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title:                                 Director of Culinary R&D

Reports to:                            Chief Operations Officer

Location:                                 Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates 

FLSA Status:                         Exempt

Compensation:                   $140,000 – $180,000 per year plus a 15% annual bonus

Summary:

At Mendocino Farms, we don’t just sell sandwiches – we Sell Happy! 

The Director of Culinary R&D will be responsible for leading menu innovation and product development at Mendo, ensuring that every new item reflects our brand values and delights our guests. This role requires a strong balance of creativity, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the COO and CMO, this individual will oversee tastings, consumer insights, and menu launches to drive culinary relevance and differentiation across our locations.

Responsibilities:

Menu Development & Innovation

  • Research, develop, and test new menu items that align with Mendo’s food philosophy and brand strategy.
  • Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at scale.
  • Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.

 

Consumer Insights & Market Research

  • Analyze guest feedback, sales data, and market trends to inform culinary innovation.
  • Work with Marketing to conduct guest panels, surveys, and competitive analysis.
  • Identify emerging food trends and adapt them into Mendo’s menu while maintaining our unique culinary identity.

 

Product Testing & Optimization

  • Plan and coordinate internal and external tastings, ensuring structured feedback loops.
  • Partner with Operations to test and refine new products in select stores before system-wide rollout.
  • Ensure all new items meet Mendo’s high standards for quality, taste, and consistency.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth menu launches.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that align with new menu innovations.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor selection and procurement strategies to support new product development.
  • Provide clear documentation and communication on new menu items to ensure proper execution.
  • Support Training teams in educating restaurant teams on the story and execution of new dishes.

 

Strategic Planning & Budget Management

  • Develop a long-term menu innovation roadmap aligned with business goals.
  • Manage the R&D budget, balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation.
  • Optimize supplier relationships to support new product development.

 

Requirements:

  • Deep understanding of food trends, ingredient sourcing, and consumer preferences.
  • 5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, menu development, or product innovation.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.
  • Data-driven approach to innovation, using insights to guide decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Passion for culinary innovation and bringing food to life in a way that excites both guests and operators.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits:

At Mendocino Farms, we believe Selling Happy starts from within.  That’s why we offer:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Bonus
  • Meal Privileges—because food should make people feel good!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits & 401k Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation to recharge and fuel your best self

 Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Sitting / standing 8-14 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching

Apply