Job description

Kahala Brands, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising located in beautiful Scottsdale Arizona, currently has an opportunity for a Research & Development Chef to join the headquarters team. Kahala franchisees and partners operate a portfolio of over 28 quick-service restaurant brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, TacoTime and Baja Fresh, among others, in over 20 countries around the world.

YOU SHOULD WORK FOR KAHALA!

A candidate that is a good fit for this position has a passion for developing new products, procedures and processes for various savory brands. The candidate will work with internal teams and suppliers to make improvements to existing products, while working closely with Operations and Purchasing to procure products as needed. In this role you will be required to act as a mentor to promote knowledge, skills, and growth. Additionally, you will assist with the setup, execution and breakdown of headquarters meetings, events and employee activities. Monitoring current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies is an essential aspect of this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and develops new products, menu items and product lines for a variety of savory brands
• Leads product development ideation process and create LTO/promotional menu items
• Develops and refines specifications for new and/or existing products
• Conducts product evaluations while maintaining food safety and regulatory requirements specific to the menu development
• Provides technical expertise and resolves any technical, operational and performance issues that arise during product development
• Analyzes feedback and results from product cuttings
• Completes accurate food costing and ingredients for developed products
• Works with multiple departments on all aspects of test programs and product rollouts, including Purchasing, Distribution, Marketing, Operations and Training
• Conducts equipment testing
• Meets with suppliers for prospective new products, ideations for new items and improvements for existing items
• Develops new menus for emerging brands
• Assists with product photoshoots and pre-shoot preparation of products
• Mentors R&D Manager to promote knowledge, skills, and growth
• Shares responsibilities for nutritional analysis using ESHA Genesis nutrition software
• Monitors current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies
• Supports various Ops Services team responsibilities and assists with headquarters events such as dry run fundraisers, employee lunches and employee activities (e.g., planning/setting up/hosting/breaking down headquarters events)

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

• Culinary Arts degree; preferred Bachelor’s in culinary, foodservice, food science or hospitality
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in restaurant back of house
• Basic knowledge of food production and processing
• Basic culinary knowledge, technical skills and understanding of restaurant equipment and services
• Thorough knowledge of food products, recipes and procedural writing, and food costing
• Thorough knowledge of food safety standards, HAACP and Serve Safe Certification
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong skills in Microsoft (e.g., Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Ability to handle a variety of different tasks at once, prioritizing and sequencing actions/decisions to move tasks toward execution
• Organized, detail-oriented and able to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Enthusiastic, optimistic and service-minded team player
• Demonstrated desire for continuous learning and improvement

KAHALA BRANDS IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WHO EMBRACES DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Principals only. Recruiters please don't contact this job poster.
*Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.*

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching, including Roth options
• 3 Medical insurance plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (10 holidays, 3 weeks PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Wellness programs

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Experience level:

• 1 year

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Casual dining restaurant

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Scottsdale, AZ 85258: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• What are your salary requirements for this role?
• How did you hear about us? If you were referred by an employee, please list their name here.

Experience:

• Culinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)
• Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Scottsdale, AZ 85258

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