DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Mendocino Farms•El Segundo, CA

2d•$140,000 - $180,000

About The Position

At Mendocino Farms, we don’t just sell sandwiches – we Sell Happy! The Director of Culinary R&D will be responsible for leading menu innovation and product development at Mendo, ensuring that every new item reflects our brand values and delights our guests. This role requires a strong balance of creativity, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the COO and CMO, this individual will oversee tastings, consumer insights, and menu launches to drive culinary relevance and differentiation across our locations.

Requirements

Deep understanding of food trends, ingredient sourcing, and consumer preferences.
5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, menu development, or product innovation.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.
Data-driven approach to innovation, using insights to guide decision-making.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Passion for culinary innovation and bringing food to life in a way that excites both guests and operators.
Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

Menu Development & Innovation
Research, develop, and test new menu items that align with Mendo’s food philosophy and brand strategy.
Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they are operationally executable at scale.
Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.
Consumer Insights & Market Research
Analyze guest feedback, sales data, and market trends to inform culinary innovation.
Work with Marketing to conduct guest panels, surveys, and competitive analysis.
Identify emerging food trends and adapt them into Mendo’s menu while maintaining our unique culinary identity.
Product Testing & Optimization
Plan and coordinate internal and external tastings, ensuring structured feedback loops.
Partner with Operations to test and refine new products in select stores before system-wide rollout.
Ensure all new items meet Mendo’s high standards for quality, taste, and consistency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth menu launches.
Partner with Supply Chain to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that align with new menu innovations.
Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor selection and procurement strategies to support new product development.
Provide clear documentation and communication on new menu items to ensure proper execution.
Support Training teams in educating restaurant teams on the story and execution of new dishes.
Strategic Planning & Budget Management
Develop a long-term menu innovation roadmap aligned with business goals.
Manage the R&D budget, balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation.
Optimize supplier relationships to support new product development.