US-DC R&D Chef

R&D Chef

Factor, a brand of Hello Fresh, is seeking an R&D Chef. As an R&D Chef, you will be at the forefront of our culinary innovation, responsible for conceiving and developing cutting-edge food products and recipes that resonate with consumer preferences and align with our company's strategic goals. Your role demands a distinctive fusion of culinary mastery, food science acumen, and a deep awareness of evolving market trends.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to the creation of market-leading culinary concepts that capture the essence of our brand and cater to the diverse tastes of the mass market.

You will…

• Innovate and experiment with culinary concepts, ingredients, and techniques to create unique and marketable food products in line with company objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, production, and quality control, to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives into the overall product strategy.
• Conduct thorough research on consumer trends, market demands, and competitor offerings to inform and inspire the development of new and differentiated culinary concepts.
• Utilize your expertise in food science to optimize recipes for taste, texture, and shelf stability while adhering to quality standards and cost parameters.
• Lead tastings, presentations, and discussions to communicate the value proposition of R&D initiatives, incorporating feedback from internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences to continuously refine and elevate the company's culinary offerings.

You are…

• You are a visionary culinary professional with a passion for pushing the boundaries of flavor, texture, and presentation, consistently demonstrating a creative and forward-thinking mindset.
• Possessing a strong blend of culinary expertise and food science knowledge, you are adept at translating conceptual ideas into tangible and market-ready products that meet both culinary and business objectives.
• Your keen understanding of consumer trends enables you to anticipate and respond to evolving tastes, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the culinary landscape.
• As a collaborative team player, you thrive in cross-functional environments, effectively communicating and integrating feedback to refine and enhance culinary concepts.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, you bring precision to the development process, balancing creativity with a commitment to meeting stringent quality standards and cost considerations.
• With a proactive and adaptable approach, you embrace continuous learning and stay informed about industry advancements, emerging technologies, and scientific innovations in the food sector.

You have…

• A proven track record of successfully developing and launching innovative food products that have gained market acceptance.
• Strong culinary and food science background with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar R&D role within the food industry.
• Ability to analyze and interpret consumer trends, translating insights into actionable and marketable culinary concepts.
• Exceptional project management skills, ensuring timely and efficient execution of R&D initiatives from ideation to product launch.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex culinary concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in staying current with industry advancements, scientific research, and emerging technologies related to food product development.

You'll get…

• Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation, and company equity plan based on role
• Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with options at $0 monthly, effective first day of employment
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education (upon 2 years of service)
• Up to 85% discount on subscriptions to Hello Fresh meal plans (Hello Fresh, Green Chef, Every plate, and Factor_)
• Access to Employee Resource Groups that are open to all employees, including those pertaining to BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+
• Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company that is disrupting the traditional food supply chain

Illinois Pay Range $83,055 — $96,050 USD