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Director Of 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 ...

The Cheesecake Factory

Culinary R&D Cook

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Reporting to the Director of Culinary R&D Operations, you will work with a culinary team at The Cheesecake Factory corporate support center in Calabasas Hills, CA. You'll play an integral part in ...

Havenwood of Minnetonka

Director of Culinary

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

The Director of Culinary provides full-scope, hands-on management of the Community's Culinary ... Research, plan, develop, produce, and serve menu cycle programs that are complaint with required ...

New

hillcrest

Director of Culinary

Millard, NE · On-site

... direct the overall operation of the Culinary Department in accordance with state and federal ... Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement, certifications, and career ...

The Waters

Director of Culinary Services

Edina, MN · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

We recognize that every team member is a direct reflection of The Waters. Attracting and investing ... Provides overall leadership, training, development and oversight for all staff within the Culinary ...

Modena Cary

Director of Culinary Experience

Cary, NC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Director of Culinary Experience Love to make a difference in the lives of seniors? At Solera Senior ... Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development * Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate ...

jbfcs

Director of Culinary Services

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

The Culinary Service Director reports to the Senior Director of Culinary Services. KEY ESSENTIAL ... Partner with leadership to support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development efforts that ...

New

Silverado

Director of Culinary Services

Alexandria, VA · On-site

We're hiring a Director of Culinary Services - a passionate and experienced leader who brings ... Two years of supervisory experience, including coaching, performance feedback, and team development

McLoughlin Place

Director of Culinary Services

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$32/hr

... seeking a skilled Director, Culinary Services to lead all aspects of our Culinary Service ... staff development. * Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and dining area, including equipment ...

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Director Of Culinary Research Development information

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How much do director of culinary research development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of culinary research development in the United States is $162,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Culinary Research Development jobs?

For Director Of Culinary Research Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Remote

mendocinofarms
See more jobs at mendocinofarmsexternal

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 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