Director, Culinary Innovation

Denny's • Spartanburg, SC

278d

About The Position

Chart the course for the ideation and creation of recipes that meet the scope and objective of the Menu Innovation Strategy within the financials and operational capabilities of the restaurants. Be the expert on menu, consumer and competitive trends and utilize that knowledge to create innovative and operations-friendly products that drive traffic and sales for the Denny's brand. Lead the refinement of recipes to meet the consumer preferences as established through sensory panels and marketing research. Proactively engage the cross functional teams that contribute to the success or failure of items to identify potential roadblocks to success and lead the culinary team to design products that can overcome those hurdles while meeting the needs of the guest. Coach the Manager, Product Development Chef in leading the kitchen teams to conduct sensory panels and focus groups. Lead/liaison between the kitchen function and the front of house portion of product cuttings and presentations. Engage training department to identify, teach and champion unique culinary principles for each product launch to ensure that team provides key focus on those attributes that are critical to successful execution of new products and programs. Manage talent related to support of photoshoots and other marketing/advertising support initiatives. Conduct market visits to discover issues and find solutions before a recipe, product, or program is implemented nationally. Engage with current and potential vendor partners on new ideas that support current business initiatives: menu strategy, menu optimization, cost savings, and operations simplification. Responsible for management of the Spartanburg, SC test kitchen and culinary support staff. Engage key franchisees for continued feedback throughout the development process. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or related field or combination of experience and education.
• 10+ years of experience in chain culinary product development.
• Restaurant experience is a must.
• Strong understanding of culinary principles.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of and experience of leadership within a franchise organization.
• Balance of creativity with discipline.
• Ability to form interdisciplinary partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Chart the course for the ideation and creation of recipes.
• Be the expert on menu, consumer and competitive trends.
• Create innovative and operations-friendly products that drive traffic and sales.
• Lead the refinement of recipes based on consumer preferences.
• Engage cross functional teams to identify potential roadblocks.
• Coach the Manager, Product Development Chef.
• Lead/liaison between kitchen function and front of house for product presentations.
• Engage training department to teach unique culinary principles.
• Manage talent for photoshoots and marketing initiatives.
• Conduct market visits to discover issues and solutions.
• Engage with vendor partners on new ideas.
• Manage the Spartanburg, SC test kitchen and culinary support staff.
• Engage key franchisees for feedback throughout the development process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree