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Food Innovation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zaxby's

Specialist, Operations Innovation

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Work with other Support Center teams to ensure any operational updates meet standards for food ... Inform Operations Innovation Manager of findings to help proceed at each phase * Support small ...

OFI

Food Scientist

Bayonne, NJ

Position Summary Reporting to the Innovation Manager, the Food Technologist will manage innovation projects and product development projects / initiatives, for Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) - Private ...

OFI

Food Scientist

Chicago, IL

Position Summary Reporting to the Innovation Manager, the Food Technologist will manage innovation projects and product development projects / initiatives, for Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) - Private ...

Claremont Foods

Innovation Technician

Westminster, CO · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Food Manufacturing FLSA STATUS: Salary-Exempt REPORTS TO: Director of Innovation Position Summary ... The role will include working directly with clients, managing bench-top prototypes, supporting ...

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Food Innovation Manager information

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How much do food innovation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food innovation manager in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Innovation Manager vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood Innovation ManagerFood Product Developer
Primary FocusOversees innovation strategies, explores new food concepts, manages R&D teamsDesigns, develops, and tests new food products
Required SkillsInnovation management, project coordination, food science knowledgeFood formulation, product testing, culinary skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate R&D, innovation labs, cross-functional teamsProduct development labs, manufacturing facilities
Common EmployersFood companies, FMCG brands, innovation consultanciesFood manufacturing companies, startups, R&D centers

While both roles involve food development, the Food Innovation Manager focuses on strategic innovation and managing teams to explore new concepts, whereas the Food Product Developer concentrates on creating and testing specific food products. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a Food Innovation Manager do?

A Food Innovation Manager is responsible for developing and implementing new food products, processes, or technologies within a company. They lead cross-functional teams to research market trends, identify consumer needs, and oversee the creation and launch of innovative food items. Their role involves collaborating with chefs, food scientists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure products are both creative and commercially viable. They also monitor industry developments to keep their company at the forefront of food trends and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, you need expertise in food science, product development, and market trend analysis, often supported by a degree in food technology, culinary arts, or a related field. Familiarity with food safety regulations, sensory analysis tools, and product lifecycle management software is typically required. Creativity, project management, and strong communication skills help drive successful cross-functional collaboration and innovative product launches. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing market-ready food products that meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a Food Innovation Manager, and how do they impact daily work?

Food Innovation Managers regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance. These interactions are essential for aligning product development with market trends, ensuring feasibility in production, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards. Daily activities often involve joint meetings, brainstorming sessions, and coordinating timelines to bring innovative products from concept to launch. Successful collaboration helps streamline processes, fosters creative solutions, and accelerates time-to-market for new products.
What cities are hiring for Food Innovation Manager jobs? Cities with the most Food Innovation Manager job openings:
What states have the most Food Innovation Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Innovation Manager jobs include:
Food Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Innovation Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.
Culinary Innovation Manager (Sonic)

Culinary Innovation Manager (Sonic)

Inspire Brands

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago

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

The Culinary Innovation Manager should bring a creative viewpoint to all new product development, while delivering relevant food and beverage concepts to the SONIC guest. This position will lead and manage product development of new products and execution of strategic initiatives as it relates to all segments and dayparts from concept approval to product launch, including bringing concepts to life through consumer and in-store testing. It will be critical for this role to partner with cross-functional teams to deliver products that best meet successful criteria for consumer, operations & financial goals.


Responsibilities:

  • Support the Product Innovation team and Director of Culinary in delivering against organizational and personal goals, objectives, and strategies

  • Work independently on development projects, with check-ins and guidance from supervisor as needed

  • Participate in the creation of new product development objectives while collaborating with cross functional teams including Category Management, Brand Experience, Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Quality Assurance, and others as appropriate

  • Independently work with vendor partners to develop new products from gold-standard products to initial benchtop samples and through commercialization process. Own development of products.

  • Make recommendations for improvements to current prototypes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in the development and creation of product specifications on commercialized products with vendor partners, Commercialization Quality Assurance, and other teams as necessary

  • Lead product taste tests and new product showings

  • Present product improvement/change recommendations based on taste test results and/or feedback to Culinary Innovation leadership Partner with Procurement Team to develop accurate food & paper formulas.

  • Plan and execute Product Showcase events to (and not limited to) SONIC Senior Management, Board of Directors, Franchise Community, Marketing Leadership, Shareholders & SONIC National Convention

  • Provide guidance and support to other product developers

  • Other duties assigned as needed

Requirements:

  • 2 Year Degree Preferred - A culinary or Food related degree is preferred for this position

  • 3-5 years' experience in a culinary or product development role required. Experience in QSR culinary development highly preferred

  • Ability to think strategically, be detail oriented and respond quickly to business needs

  • Bring creativity to menu development and trend dives for the team

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, especially the ability to explain difficult concepts and insights in applicable business terms. Ability to summarize insights into PowerPoint presentations in clear and understandable calls to action.

  • Ability to collaborate and motivate across the operations, supply chain, field, and marketing teams.

  • Self-starter with the ability to project manage and handle multiple assignments simultaneously and meet all desired deadlines.

  • Strong leadership, sales support, project management and training skills

  • Understanding how to take products or programs through a development and testing process

  • Effective problem-solving skills and ability to listen and translate details accurately

  • Should possess an innate curiosity and growth mindset

At SONIC, we encourage and attract wildly creative people. Bold, unique personalities whose passion for what they do shows in the food, the experience and the culture of our brand. Sound like you? Join us as we deliver delightful and delicious moments to our guests!


    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

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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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