Test Kitchen

Job Overview

We are seeking an ambitious, highly organized Test Kitchen & Product Development Manager to take full ownership of our test kitchen and serve as the execution bridge between chefs, costing, quality, and production. This individual will be responsible for translating chef-created recipes into scalable, costed, production-ready items while maintaining quality standards on the production floor.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can manage multiple functions, work independently, and drive projects forward without constant supervision.

Key Responsibilities :

Test Kitchen & Recipe Management

• Organize, document, and standardize recipes developed by chefs

• Convert recipes into production-ready formulations

• Maintain accurate recipe records, specifications, and revisions

• Prepare samples as needed for sales, customers, brokers, and internal reviews

Costing & Data Management

• Accurately cost all new and existing items

• Work closely with costing and operations to ensure margin targets are met

• Maintain product data using computer-based systems (Excel, costing software, internal databases)

• Ensure ingredient usage and yields align with production realities

Quality & Production Oversight

• Be present on the production floor to ensure product quality meets standards

• Monitor line performance and identify quality or consistency issues

• Work with production and maintenance to correct issues quickly

• Ensure test kitchen formulations translate correctly to full-scale runs

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the point person between chefs, production, quality, and sales

• Support R&D efforts by moving products efficiently from concept to launch

• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality and efficiency

Qualifications & Skills :

• Strong working knowledge of cooking and food preparation

• 6 plus years experience in a test kitchen, production kitchen, or food manufacturing environment

• Ability to cost recipes accurately and understand food margins

• High level of computer proficiency (Excel required; ERP or costing systems a plus)

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

• Hands-on, proactive, and detail-oriented

• Ability to work independently and take ownership

• Comfortable working both in an office/test kitchen and on the production floor

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Ambitious and driven

• Takes responsibility and follows through

• Understands both food and production realities

• Communicates clearly and works well across departments

• Focused on execution, not just ideas

This role is critical to ensuring new products move quickly, correctly, and profitably from development to production.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $122, $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 5% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person