ABOUT THE ROLE
We're seeking a highly creative, client-facing, and commercially minded Culinary R&D Manager to join our culinary innovation team. This role sits at the intersection of culinary excellence, strategic thinking, and relationship management-bringing food concepts to life in ways that drive growth for our clients.
You'll lead culinary ideation and product development for key accounts, translate trends into actionable opportunities, and deliver compelling presentations that inspire restaurant partners. As a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teams, you'll play a critical role in shaping innovation pipelines and driving menu adoption.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Leadership & Business Development- Lead culinary strategy and concept development for assigned client accounts, aligning innovation with operator needs and client business objectives
- Identify and proactively generate new concept opportunities with restaurant chains that leverage client products and capabilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across top national restaurant chains, manufacturers, and partners
- Serve as a primary client-facing representative-leading presentations, culinary demonstrations, and ideation sessions that drive menu placements
- Partner with internal leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities and organic account growth
- Provide ongoing consultative support to ensure client satisfaction and long-term partnership success
- Deliver regular updates, insights, and performance reporting to senior leadership
Team Leadership & Collaboration- Manage, mentor, and develop junior culinary team members, fostering growth and accountability
- Review and approve culinary work to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with client expectations
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, strategy, and account teams to deliver integrated solutions
Culinary Innovation & R&D- Lead end-to-end culinary development-from ideation through execution-including concept creation, recipe development, and final product specifications
- Translate emerging culinary, consumer, and menu trends into relevant, on-brand concepts for clients
- Test, refine, and scale recipes and products with a focus on operational feasibility and menu viability
- Introduce new ingredients, techniques, and processes to elevate innovation and differentiation
- Maintain strong connections within the culinary industry (restaurants, associations, suppliers) to stay ahead of trends
Operational Excellence- Ensure all culinary work adheres to food safety standards and best practices
- Maintain organized documentation of recipes, processes, and project outcomes
SKILLLS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree from a nationally recognized culinary school.
- 5+ years in progressive culinary roles-R&D, sales, or corporate settings.
- Proven leadership and mentoring skills.
- Strong relationship building and communication.
- Experience in restaurant operations, manufacturing, and food safety.
- Highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Deep knowledge of food trends, menu development, and operational execution.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to travel.
PLEASE NOTE: Acxion Foodservice Inc. reserves the right to change, modify or add to the duties and essential functions at any time.
