Culinary Manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science or related field or equivalent experience.

Experience or Training: 8+ years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a corporate, food manufacturing or branded culinary role. Experience in menu development, product application and culinary innovation within the food industry. Excellent presentation, written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Strong understanding of food manufacturing, product development processes and commercialization.

Technology/Equipment: Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) culinary documentation tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of a culinary accredited program.

Experience or Training: Experience working with food service operators, retail buyers or national chain accounts. Knowledge of USDA and FDA food safety regulations and standards.

Licenses/Certificates: Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or similar professional culinary certification.

Physical Requirements:

An individual must meet the mental and physical requirements described here to successfully perform this position's essential functions.

Manual dexterity to operate all office equipment efficiently, Visual dexterity to operate all office equipment efficiently, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Reach above shoulders, Standing, Sitting, Talking, Hearing, Finger manipulation, Exposure to cold, hot, damp, and noisy environments, Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

The majority of work duties are conducted in an office or kitchen environment. There may be exposure to production areas requiring the use of PPE, uniform or protective clothing, and safety equipment.

Position Summary:

Serves as the strategic culinary leader for Jones Dairy Farm, driving menu innovation, product application and customer culinary partnerships that authentically represent the brand with culinary excellence and professionalism.

Responsibilities:

• Supports product development projects by providing feedback on flavor, form, and functionality as it relates to initial prototypes and customer end use application (cooking, reheat, size, pack format).
• Tests product end use application by utilizing different cooking or heating methods and develops recipe standards for Jones Dairy Farm products to be used on finished product packaging and in sales and marketing supporting documents.
• Serve as the culinary authority and assists the sales team in account development and management of sales accounts as needed.
• Assists in driving Jones Dairy Farm goals for sales volume, product focus, market penetration and profitability
• Works cross-functionally with the Marketing, Sales and Innovation teams to develop sales assets for new product launches, including POS, sales collateral and menuable concepts for print, digital and website.
• Oversees ownership and management of the Jones Dairy Farm Culinary Center, ensuring the space is maintained, well-equipped and optimized for customer events, product demonstrations and culinary innovation.
• Develops inspiring, on-trend culinary programs that showcase Jones Dairy Farm products and provides culinary support for onsite and offsite meetings and events.
• Engages collaboratively with Jones Dairy Farm leadership, sales teams, suppliers and customers at all levels.
• Accepts special projects and completes them promptly.

Benefits Package:

We offer excellent compensation and benefit packages:

• Medical Insurance with a Health Reimbursement Account
• Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Company Paid Short Term Disability/Sick Pay
• Long Term Disability available
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation (pro-rated) 2 weeks after probationary period and 3 weeks after 1 year of service
• 401K with a 100% Employer Match on 5.5% of eligible earnings
• Professional Development Including Tuition Reimbursement & more!