Culinary Innovation Coordinator

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream•New York, NY

1d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

We started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in a yellow truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 with a mission to make good ice cream that makes you feel good. Nowadays, people can spend so much time on what’s “healthy” they don’t stop to consider what’s healthy. As far as we’re concerned, happiness is healthiness. We strive to ensure every scoop, store and employee feels and creates one community to contribute to the overall brand. Van Leeuwen is looking for a Culinary Innovation Coordinator to join our Culinary Innovation team based out of our Flavor Lab in Brooklyn. This role will report to our Head of Culinary Innovation and play a role in developing new and delicious ice cream offerings (Scoops, Bars, Cakes, Soft Serve, Sundaes and More). This role will be based in an open (customer facing) innovation kitchen and be held to the highest standards of quality, creativity, organization and cleanliness. In addition to being the innovation engine for Van Leeuwen Ice Cream across Scoop Shops and CPG, The Flavor Lab will have production for sale and testing in the Flavor Lab scoop shop. This role will be based out of our Greenpoint Flavor Lab and be onsite five days a week.

Requirements

NYC Food Handlers License required
Minimum of 2 years experience in a professional kitchen in either a pastry or culinary role (Food Science background a plus)
Experience in retail preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Suite including Excel
Ability to regularly lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods of time
As our Flavor Lab is a fully operating kitchen and retail shop, this person will need to work kitchen/retail hours. Ability to be on site 5 days a week, with flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed is require

Responsibilities

Assist in creating best in class menu innovations under the direction of CEO Ben Van Leeuwen and Head of Culinary Innovation
Participate in Flavor Lab kitchen operations - this includes but is not limited to producing ice cream, testing product, and interfacing with customers
Ensure all Flavor Lab kitchen operations are to Department of Health standards - this includes taking part in inspections as needed
Research new innovations for scoop shops, such as toppings and sundaes
Visit the field regularly to gather feedback and data to improve innovation output and quality
Work with members of the Commercialization and Innovation team to scale up innovation projects for commercial production
Create flavor samples and work on ad hoc retail projects as necessary
Create a memorable scoop shop experience at the Flavor Lab site - from interfacing enthusiastically with customers to overseeing in-shop events
Work effectively and professionally with Flavor Lab retail leadership
Feel confident in ordering and receiving high quality ingredients
Help develop and maintain recipes
Team oriented and positive attitude
Assist in overseeing daily maintenance of kitchen equipment and cleanliness to ensure a safe and efficient workspace
Help develop weekly menu specials to serve at Flavor Lab
Support testing and development for partnership collaboration