Innovation and Development Chef

Charlie's Produce•Seattle, WA

32d•$105 - $115

About The Position

Job Summary:Develop and implement new prep-foods and fresh processed produce product programs for produce, food service, and retail deli sales team within Seattle, Portland, Spokane, and Boise divisions. The product programs will include product development, sourcing from third party suppliers, achievement of gross margin targets, promotion and Ad plans, marketing materials, packaging, and private label programs. The director will also coordinate sales of fresh produce ingredients to third party suppliers from Charlie's Produce. Collaborate with the sales team of each division to support sales growth, new account development, new initiatives, and provide performance reports to division presidents, general managers, and sales managers. The director will work closely with the general manager of CP Fresh and third-party suppliers to coordinate forecast demand, recipe development and product innovations required from collaborating with each division. Quarterly travel to each division will be expected to visit with key customers, review retail execution, competitive assessment and coordinate efforts with the sales team.

Requirements

3-6 years of experience product development after completion of a culinary or related degree/certificate program, or a combination of education and relevant culinary product development experience
Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to stringent food safety standards, including an up-to-date Food Handlers card/certification (ServSafe)
A refined palate, with excellent understanding of different cooking methods and world cuisines
Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a cross-functional team, including aligning to core values within a mission-driven company culture
Demonstrated high level of creativity and personal initiative
Knowledgeable of the impact of basic functional ingredients and processes on product texture
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated with meticulous attention to detail; exceptional organizational and project-management skills
Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment, while balancing changing priorities
Solid analytical skills with the ability to develop creative solutions to solve problems
Demonstrated ability to work independently on assigned work and projects with general supervision
Proficiency in the use of computer systems and software (EX: MS 365-Teams, SharePoint, AX)
Food handlers certification

Responsibilities

Comfortably and confidently manage several workstreams simultaneously
Provide culinary expertise in assigned projects, demonstrated by exceptional culinary concept creation and product development
Play an active role in all stages of product development, from ideation to manufacturing
Meticulously record all tests and pertinent analytical information
Monitor and research food trends, manufacturing processes, and culinary innovations on an ongoing basis to continue to bring new ideas to the team
Ensure that project scope guard rails are maintained throughout the development process, and product formulas are shared with and approved by the commercialization team
Calculate ingredient costing such that products are developed within cost targets
Lead and participate in product tastings and plant trials of new products
Assist in the production of product samples for internal and external stakeholders
Manage individual project timelines and deliverables, and support wider project direction and deadlines
Ensure the work area is orderly, organized and clean for efficient use for testing, following CP Fresh's SOP for proper kitchen operations
Sales support: customer visits, facilities tours, product information, etc.
Develops sales and marketing materials for new items/programs and supports promotional planning with product information, position, and points of differentiation