Research and Development Chef
$85,000–$100,000 year
On-siteWaipahu, Hawaii, United States
Job Summary
Develop, test, and refine new recipes, product concepts, ingredients, fillings, toppings, sauces, baked goods, prepared foods, and menu items based on business needs, customer requests, seasonal opportunities, and market trends. Improve existing formulas for taste, texture, appearance, yield, shelf life, cost, production efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Conduct benchtop trials, production tests, taste panels, and product evaluations; document results, adjustments, costing notes, sensory feedback, and final recommendations. Translate culinary concepts into standardized formulas, procedures, specifications, and production-ready instructions that can be consistently executed at scale. Partner with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership to support product development, commercialization, customer tastings, and launch readiness. Evaluate ingredients, substitutes, and processing methods to support product quality. Support product rollouts by preparing samples, presenting product concepts, troubleshooting development or production challenges, and training production team members on new recipes and preparation standards.
Required Qualifications
- Must be available to start work as early as 5am and stay until work is complete
- Typical schedule is Monday-Friday but must be available on weekends and holidays as needed
- No less than 45 hours per week
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Must pass pre-employment physical, TB or Mantoux test, and drug screening
- High School diploma or GED
- Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills
Desired Qualifications
- One year in a supervisory position (preferred)
- Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills oral and written
- Active listening skills
- Self - development skills (desire and ability to learn)
- Positive attitude and willingness to change
- Knowledge and experience in various cooking methods and equipment
- Demonstrates the company's Core Values of Commitment, Humble, Integrity, Passionate, Supportive
- Self-motivated
- Action-oriented (exercising initiative to follow-up and follow through)
- High level of accuracy
- Detail oriented (must be very accurate)
- Ability to work under minimal supervision
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Team player
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