Culinary Assurance & Implementation Lead

Kevin's Natural Foods•Stockton, CA

About The Position

The Culinary Assurance & Implementation Lead supports the successful execution, consistency, and quality of Kevin's Natural Foods products throughout the manufacturing process. Reporting to the Manager of Culinary Assurance & Implementation, this role partners closely with Operations, QC, and R&D teams to help ensure products are produced safely, accurately, and consistently across internal manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturing partners. This position serves as a key culinary resource, supporting the implementation and maintenance of product standards, flavor integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a flexible mindset, with experience in food manufacturing and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Strong work ethic with a proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving.
Ability to balance independent decision-making with collaborative teamwork.
Flexible and adaptable mindset capable of responding effectively to changing priorities and operational needs.
Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
Ability to influence and build productive working relationships across multiple departments.
Detail-oriented with a passion for food quality, consistency, and execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food manufacturing
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Support the consistent execution of flavor, texture, appearance, portioning, and finished product standards across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturers.
Assist Operation teams in translating approved culinary requirements into repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.
Participate in first production runs, line startups, and process changes for existing products.
Verify that production activities align with documented SOPs, product specifications, and intended culinary outcomes.
Conduct routine sensory evaluations and in-line product assessments to support adherence to established quality standards.
Escalate culinary-related quality concerns and partner with internal stakeholders to support corrective actions and resolution efforts.
Provide observations and data-based feedback regarding execution trends, opportunities, and operational risks.
Maintain and update culinary SOPs, preparation guidelines, build sheets, and sensory standards under the direction of department leadership.
Serve as a day-to-day culinary support resource for manufacturing teams, reinforcing standards, consistency, and best practices.
Assist in the delivery of training for Operations, QA, R&D, and Production teams on culinary standards, quality drivers, and critical control points.
Collaborate closely with Quality and Food Safety partners to support compliance with HACCP, GMP, regulatory, and company requirements.
Help ensure culinary processes align with sanitation protocols, allergen control procedures, labeling accuracy, and food safety standards.
Support the maintenance of accurate product specifications and allergen controls in partnership with Quality Assurance.
Contribute to internal and external audits by providing culinary expertise and documentation support.
Assist with investigations related to consumer complaints, product holds, quality concerns, and deviations from standards.
Identify and communicate opportunities to improve product consistency, process repeatability, and execution efficiency while maintaining approved product intent.
Travel to manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers as needed to support product execution, training, and consistency initiatives.
Manage assigned responsibilities autonomously while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams.
Other duties as assigned and necessary.