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Culinary Innovation Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

As Director of Culinary, Offer Implementation with Sodexo Live!, your passion for culinary innovation and technical skill sets position you to implement and oversee culinary programs and operations ...

New

Senior Manager, Culinary Insights Position Overview The Menu & Innovation Consumer Insights Senior Manager is a strategic leader responsible for shaping the future of the brand's food and beverage ...

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes. Working Conditions The work environment ...

Culinary R&D Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes. Working Conditions The work environment ...

This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes. Americans with Disabilities Act Kettle Cuisine ...

Culinary R&D Specialist

Lynn, MA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

This role is pivotal in supporting culinary innovation and maintaining high standards within the organization's research and development processes. Working Conditions The work environment ...

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Head Chef

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Supervise recipe development and continuous culinary innovation * Interact with customers to gather feedback and improve offerings Preferred Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in culinary arts

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Head Chef

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Supervise recipe development and continuous culinary innovation * Interact with customers to gather feedback and improve offerings Preferred Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in culinary arts

Executive Chef

Natick, MA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences, managing kitchen operations, and driving culinary innovation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to showcase ...

Executive Chef

Natick, MA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences, managing kitchen operations, and driving culinary innovation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to showcase ...

The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences, managing kitchen operations, and driving culinary innovation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to showcase ...

Culinary Operations Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This hands-on leadership role involves kitchen systems management and innovation, culinary training development, new location openings, event preparation, and team development both locally and at off ...

Culinary Operations Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This hands-on leadership role involves kitchen systems management and innovation, culinary training development, new location openings, event preparation, and team development both locally and at off ...

Culinary Operations Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This hands-on leadership role involves kitchen systems management and innovation, culinary training development, new location openings, event preparation, and team development both locally and at off ...

Sous Chef

Scituate, MA

$52K - $70K/yr

Lead culinary innovation by creating inspired menus using fresh, local ingredients and refined cooking techniques * Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and operational ...

Sous Chef

Scituate, MA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Lead culinary innovation by creating inspired menus using fresh, local ingredients and refined cooking techniques * Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and operational ...

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Culinary Innovation information

See Boston, MA salary details

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How much do culinary innovation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary innovation in Boston, MA is $20.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a professional in Culinary Innovation typically collaborate with other departments within a food company?

Professionals in Culinary Innovation regularly work cross-functionally with teams such as product development, marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain. They often translate culinary trends and consumer preferences into viable product concepts, collaborating with food scientists to ensure recipes are scalable and meet safety standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they participate in brainstorming sessions, attend product tastings, and provide culinary expertise during product launches. This collaborative environment allows them to influence multiple stages of the product lifecycle and see their ideas brought to market.

What is the difference between Culinary Innovation vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary InnovationFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees, culinary arts experienceFood science degrees, certifications in food safety and technology
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D kitchens, culinary labsResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, food development centers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, food companies, culinary startupsFood manufacturing, research institutions, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food development, Culinary Innovation emphasizes creating new recipes and culinary concepts, often in a kitchen setting. Food Scientists focus on the scientific aspects of food, including safety, preservation, and formulation, typically working in research labs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is culinary innovation?

Culinary innovation refers to the process of creating new food products, recipes, or dining experiences by combining creativity with culinary expertise. It often involves experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation to meet evolving consumer tastes and industry trends. Professionals in this field may work in restaurants, food manufacturing, or hospitality, collaborating with chefs and product developers to bring fresh ideas to the table. Culinary innovation helps businesses stay competitive by offering unique and exciting options to customers.

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

To excel in Culinary Innovation, you need a strong background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by experience in professional kitchens or a relevant degree. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help drive the creation of unique dishes and successful teamwork. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative food concepts that meet market demands and maintain high-quality standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Boston, MA are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Innovation job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,826 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Regional Culinary Director

Sodexo

East Boston, MA • On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Sodexo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 1,140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 485 rated business services


Job description

As Director of Culinary, Offer Implementation with Sodexo Live!, your passion for culinary innovation and technical skill sets position you to implement and oversee culinary programs and operations for a premier airport lounge portfolio.

The preferred candidate will reside on the East Coast and must be flexible to travel up to 50%. The incumbent should reside local to a major travel hub/airport.

About the job

Bring your creativity, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to a role focused on designing and delivering innovative food, product, and service experiences. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives that blend culinary excellence, market insight, and business strategy to develop compelling offers that delight customers and drive results.


Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $115940 - $180070

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What's in it for you

  • Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of culinary offerings and innovations to drive quality, sales, and profitability.
  • Engage with vendors, clients, and internal teams to support successful product and service deployment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Develop training programs, ensure compliance with industry standards, and promote operational excellence through hands-on support.
  • Contribute to marketing strategies and business development initiatives aimed at boosting sales and profitability.
  • Translate culinary trends into innovative menus and recipes that elevate the customer dining experience.
  • Manage food costs, labor, and other expenses to maintain cost-effective operations and meet budget targets.


What you'll bring 

  • Skilled in translating insights and trends into innovative, customer-focused offerings that enhance brand value and drive business results.
  • Collaboration and communication skills to influence stakeholders, build strategic partnerships, and align cross-functional teams.
  • Proven track record in managing complex initiatives, from ideation to execution, within time and budget constraints.
  • Expertise in analyzing market data and consumer behavior to shape compelling, differentiated solutions.
  • A strategic mindset with a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 0-5 years
  • Related Experience: 3-5 years


What we offer 

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions 

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays 

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement 

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please completethis form. 


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