Corporate Culinary Manager
Job Description
Our client in Orange County, California has an immediate opening for a Center Store Category Manager on a direct hire basis.
Company Profile:
Established grocery retailer dedicated to fostering health and wellness through the provision of top-tier products and unparalleled customer service.
Corporate Culinary Manager Role:
The corporate Culinary Manager is responsible for leading the innovation and development of culinary products and concepts within the organization. Working closely with the prepared foods and marketing teams, as well as suppliers, to identify new product opportunities and bring them to fruition. Staying informed about food trends, creating, and testing new recipes, and ensuring optimal presentation and packaging for new menu items. Responsible for the end-to-end process of product development, from ideation to execution.
Identify and develop innovative culinary concepts and products.
Conduct market research to understand culinary trends and consumer preferences.
Develop and test recipes for new products.
Analyze sales data to evaluate product success.
Manage recipe costing systems to meet food cost/margin requirements.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Improve culinary processes and procedures continually.
Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients.
Oversee production processes to maintain quality standards.
Work with the marketing team to promote new products.
Participate in new store openings and train existing teams on recipes and standards.
Corporate Culinary Manager Background Profile:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate required; culinary school preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of managerial experience in the food service industry.
Must have a strong understanding of food recipe creation at scale, preferably with prior experience in multi-store operations and food production.
Strong knowledge of ingredient standards including organic, non-GMO, grass fed, etc.
Strong understanding of dietary lifestyle choices including but not limited to vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, keto, etc.
Proficient in English, both verbally and in writing.
Experience in inventory management and using commercial kitchen equipment.
Knowledge of perishable retail operations, including pars, rotation, and shrink.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage complex tasks and meet deadlines.
Willingness to travel between stores and work flexible hours if necessary.
Excellent organizational and self-motivational skills.
Proficiency in computer applications such as Windows, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Knowledge of natural foods and industry connections preferred.
Features and Benefits:
Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
Vision and Dental
Life Insurance
2 weeks’ vacation
401k
Employee Discount
Frontline Source Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Â Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. The client cannot sponsor any visas.
Disclaimer: Sensitive and personal data will not be requested by Frontline Source Group or its affiliates until a job offer is made and accepted. If you ever doubt the validity of our job postings, we encourage you to call one of our branch locations to verify the status on any job.
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Job Requirements
Meet Your Recruiter
Mike Cook
Mike Cook or as he is known in the industry "Grocery Store Mike", is a specialized grocery retail recruiter for Frontline Source Group. With more than 35+ years in the grocery retail industry, Mike started as a part-time courtesy clerk. He worked his way up to serve in-store leadership positions with both traditional and specialty food formats. His expertise lies in hiring, training, and developing company leaders for small supermarkets to large grocery store operations with hundreds of locations. This experience is what differentiates his ability to recruit top Grocery talent from other recruiters in the market place.
Throughout his career, Mike has placed an emphasis on professional development and continuing education. He was in the charter class of Brookshire University, graduating as salutatorian. He also has earned certificates of proficiency in management specialized leadership and retail management from Tyler Junior College. The later certification was in collaboration with the Western Association of Food Chains. And, he has received numerous awards and accolades for customer service and leadership.
Mike has a passion for community service, having served as a board member for the Bear Creek Specialty Utility District (formerly Lavon Water Supply Corporation) from 2007-2013; Community Independent School District board trustee from 2013-2017; and currently serves as Lavon City Councilman, Place 2 since 2017.