Head of Culinary Innovation

Company Overview:

Furmano Foods, Inc. is a well-established manufacturer with a rich history of over a century in producing high-quality, nutritious food products. Our family-owned business is committed to exceeding customer expectations through our core values, which include:

• Safety
• Thankfulness
• Honesty
• Kindness
• Unity
• Diligence
• Perseverance

Position Overview:

We are in search of a talented and visionary Executive Culinary Director to spearhead our innovative product development and food science projects. The successful candidate will have a profound knowledge of culinary practices, food science fundamentals, and trends in Foodservice and Retail Consumer markets. This role demands a strategic mindset with the capability to manage detailed execution in a fast-paced and evolving environment. A proven history of overseeing projects from concept to market launch while collaborating across various departments is essential.

Educational Background:

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Culinary Arts or Food Science, along with active participation in industry organizations such as the Research Chef's Association and IFT.

Experience and Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience in culinary research and product development.
• Demonstrated success in launching new products.
• Strong grasp of food science principles, including ingredient functionality and sensory evaluation.
• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities.
• Proficient in collaborating within a dynamic team environment.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience in the Food Manufacturing sector.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Skills and Competencies:

Expertise in recipe and menu creation, coupled with strong communication and presentation skills, is crucial for success in this role.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates should maintain good physical and mental health, demonstrate sound judgment, and possess a genuine desire to collaborate with diverse individuals.

Travel Requirements:

Willingness to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development:

- Innovate and launch new food products that align with market trends and company goals.

- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and New Product Development teams to conduct comprehensive market research.

- Lead the New Product Development team in managing the product pipeline and refreshing existing offerings.

- Engage directly with customers to customize products based on feedback and preferences.

- Oversee relationships with co-packers and manage ongoing manufacturing processes.

- Work cross-functionally to transition products from concept to market.

- Develop and maintain detailed product specifications and documentation.

- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to ensure product quality.

- Utilize food science principles to enhance product safety, quality, and shelf life.

- Research and implement new food technologies to drive innovation.

- Maintain a thorough understanding of food regulations and compliance standards.

- Collaborate with Quality Assurance during the commercialization process.

- Cultivate a culture of creativity and experimentation within the culinary team.

- Provide technical support and guidance to team members.

- Assist in customer presentations and trade shows as required.

- Develop and oversee Culinary and New Product Development budgets.

- Analyze product performance to inform future strategies.

- Present product concepts and outcomes to senior leadership.

Working Conditions:

Physical environment requires manual dexterity and the ability to meet audible and visual demands.

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including 401(k), health insurance, and paid time off.