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Culinary Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acxion Foodservice

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL

You'll lead culinary ideation and product development for key accounts, translate trends into actionable opportunities, and deliver compelling presentations that inspire restaurant partners. As a ...

Acxion

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

You'll lead culinary ideation and product development for key accounts, translate trends into actionable opportunities, and deliver compelling presentations that inspire restaurant partners. As a ...

Apply Early

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$38K - $52K/yr

You will begin with a six-month cross-functional development program spanning Culinary, Product Development, Innovation, Quality, Brand, Sales, and Operations. Following successful completion, you ...

Apply Early

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

You will begin with a six-month cross-functional development program spanning Culinary, Product Development, Innovation, Quality, Brand, Sales, and Operations. Following successful completion, you ...

Kinder's

Culinary Experience Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

You will begin with a six-month cross-functional development program spanning Culinary, Product Development, Innovation, Quality, Brand, Sales, and Operations. Following successful completion, you ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark's Salute program -- our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark's Salute program - our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

La Vernia, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Helotes, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Converse, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Austin, TX · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Culinary Development serves as the senior culinary leader for Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense ...

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Culinary Development information

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$47K

$67.6K

$88.5K

How much do culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary development in the United States is $67,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Culinary Development professional typically collaborate with chefs and product teams to create new menu items?

Culinary Development professionals work closely with chefs, food scientists, and product development teams to brainstorm, prototype, and refine new menu offerings. This often involves conducting taste tests, sourcing unique ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for larger production. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are key, as is collaborating with marketing and operations teams to ensure the final product aligns with brand standards and customer preferences. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities may shift based on market trends or operational constraints.

What is culinary development?

Culinary development is the process of creating, testing, and refining new recipes, menu items, and food concepts for restaurants, food brands, or hospitality businesses. Professionals in this field combine culinary expertise with creativity and market research to develop dishes that meet customer preferences and industry trends. They often collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure that new offerings are both delicious and commercially viable.

What is the difference between Culinary Development vs Culinary Chef?

AspectCulinary DevelopmentCulinary Chef
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, culinary school diplomaProfessional culinary certifications, culinary school diploma
Work EnvironmentResearch and development kitchens, product testing labsRestaurant kitchens, hotel kitchens, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, product development firms, culinary innovation teamsRestaurants, hotels, hospitality industry
Primary FocusCreating new recipes, developing food products, culinary innovationPreparing dishes, managing kitchen staff, executing menus

While Culinary Development focuses on creating and testing new recipes and food products, Culinary Chefs are responsible for preparing dishes and managing kitchen operations. Both roles require culinary certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Culinary Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Culinary Development, you need a deep understanding of food science, recipe formulation, and culinary techniques, often supported by a degree in culinary arts or food science. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and product development software is typically expected. Creativity, strong collaboration, and adaptability are vital soft skills for innovating new dishes and working with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure successful creation and launch of appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products.
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Culinary Development jobs near you
Culinary Development, Associate Manager - Jimmy John's

Culinary Development, Associate Manager - Jimmy John's

Inspire Brands

Atlanta, GA

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Execute product preparation, kitchen testing, and organoleptic evaluations of test and production samples as assigned.

  • Plan, manage, and execute product showings, special events, and food presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Lead execution of assigned new product development menu items, equipment, and processes to support the Culinary Team’s objectives.

Inspire Brands rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

SUMMARY

Supports the Culinary Development Team's workstreams by executing product preparation and kitchen testing. Responsible for delivery / planning of product development food showings,special events, Inspire and AFA Board meetings, CLT's, Executive Team meetings, focus group taste panels, and agency showings. Owns day-to-day product preparation, product ordering / inventory withinJimmy John'sareas of Inspire Test Kitchen. Lead execution of assigned new product development menu items, equipment /smallwares, and processes to supportJimmy John'sCulinary Teamobjectives.Culinary plays a critical rolein advancing the brand's strategy andlong termgrowth-we win through high-quality ingredientsand flawless execution thatguestscan count on every time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide project support for Culinary Development Team

  • Conduct organoleptic evaluations of test and production samples as assigned.

  • Assistin the execution of product presentations for key stakeholders.

  • Assistin the planning and execution of food preparation for product showings.

  • Plan, execute, anddisseminateinformation from analytical studies of test products. This includes cook temperature studies, product size / weight studies, recipe portioning studies, and the measurement of other key product attributes as assigned.

  • Manage andmaintainJimmy John'stest kitchen storage areas forproduct availability,ease of access, organization, and shelf life.

Manage andfacilitateall Product Developmentspecial eventsand product showings for internalstake holdersto include but not limited to Inspire Board, executive team, agency reviews, merchandising / ops reviews, companyspecial events, pre-production showings for photo shoots and TV commercials.

  • Manage and organize labor needs for each event and manage team and the execution in the venue.

  • Manage thesetupof Test Kitchen or special facilities for foodshowings.

  • Responsible formanagement ofspecial food ordering requests for the test kitchen for product showings, taste panels, and photo shoots.

  • Train event staff and other Culinary Team members forspecial events/cuttings.

Manage and execute ProductDevelopmentexternalspecial eventsand product showings for all externalstakeholdersto include but not limited to CLT's, Focus Groups, Franchise Convention / Conference, photo shoots, TV commercials, and Agency Showings.

  • Manage and organize labor needs for each event and manage team for the execution at each facility.

  • Review Marketing team and Culinary Team prep sheet order guides and ensure correct product is being ordered for all external events.

  • Manage and train event staff and other Culinary Team members for external events / cuttings.

Culinary innovation & product development, including core menu and LTO innovation. Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the innovation process, including concept/ideation, product development, in-markettesting& commercializationfor systemlaunch.

  • Inspires the team to push boundaries and strives to create thefirst in class, best in class and/or only products of target category offered inQSR.

  • Responsible for translating culinary briefs into product innovation that drives new guest acquisition and industry-leading guestsatisfaction.

  • Work withInsightsTeam to conduct consumer/guest research to understand consumer needs & product optimization, including execution/preparation ofproduct fortesting.

  • Work with vendor partners to develop new products from concept to prototype, prototype tocostedcommerciallyviablesample, and through system commercialization process.

  • Research culinary trends and competitive innovation

  • Includes 20% travel for Supplier visits, Industry Events, Research & Culinary Tours, Brand Events

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum: Bachelor's Degree with Concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific discipline

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1 to 3 years experience preferred in restaurant culinary, restaurant operations, food manufacturing, food laboratory

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSor ABILITIES

  • Passion for Food & Culinary Arts - deep interest in food and flavors

  • Collaboration - ability to work collaboratively across teams of varying backgrounds

  • Strategy & program development - ability to take idea to execution, while managing multiple priorities

  • Strong organization - balance multiple priorities, keep timelines & records, clear written & verbal communication

  • Thrives in ambiguity - ability to multi-task and move quickly on tight timelines whilemaintainingstrong work product & quality standards.

  • Proficientin Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)


Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.
We're made up of some of the world's most iconic restaurant brands, but we're much more than just a restaurant company. We're a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple-it's an experience. At Inspire, that's our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.

What Inspire Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Inspire Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Inspire Brands Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, United States, operates in the foodservice industry as a multi-brand restaurant company, making it among the biggest restaurant companies globally. Their portfolio includes well-known restaurant brands such as Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Jimmy John's, reflecting their commitment to innovation and quality. Founded in 2018 as a result of a consolidation of various restaurant brands under one corporate umbrella, Inspire Brands was formed with a vision to invigorate excellent brands and supercharge their long-term growth.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

2018

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