Culinary Business Development Manager Needed- Growing Orlando Area!

Position Purpose

Collaborate with cross functional team to develop new products and reformulate existing products to support growth and improvement. The position will be responsible for taking products from concept to on shelf to support retail execution. This will include innovation strategy, key sensory attributes, shelf life, nutrition facts, processing, safety, packaging, coding, and regulatory compliance. This position directly supports the growth of the facility located in Orlando, Fl. 

Key Responsibilities

• The Culinary Business Development Manager is expected to develop and approve new and reformulated food products based upon product quality, performance, and timelines. Includes conducting product sensory evaluation, researching product standards and attributes, product safety and product shelf life.

• Direct internal and external suppliers including sample and product information requests, specification development, and communication of product changes to address safety, performance, or regulatory issues.

• The Culinary Business Development Manager is expected to work autonomously with cross functional team members to ensure on time delivery of strategic business and departmental initiatives. 

• The position will require the ability to educate and solve problems with the team to overcome technical hurdles, as well as provide technical feasibility for new product concepts, manufacturing capabilities, ingredient selection, and tracking industry trends.
• Regularly observe the assembly and preparation of product specifications and standards while adhering to our food safety and quality control processes. Look for ways to improve product efficiencies for the facility.  
• Develop metrics to track quality control and insure continuous improvement and increased efficiency.
• Expertise in writing technical recipe specifications to include processing aides and build sheets with detailed instructions. 
• Become the ‘go to’ person to help trouble shoot operational or quality challenges as needed. Teach, train and assist.

Qualifications

• Formal Education in Culinary Arts or Foodservice Related Field
• At least 5 years of experience in benchtop or lab, product development, manufacturing across a broad range of categories.
• Extensive experience managing multiple projects and rapidly shifting priorities.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of new product development process.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality, product formulations, and food preparation.
• Knowledge of Federal Regulations how they impact/apply to specific product categories (FDA, USDA, organic, kosher, various industry standards) 
• Excellent time management skills and proven track record of successfully managing technical resources to deliver on key business initiatives. 

·        Must have a “can-do” attitude to work in a hectic environment that is evolving and growing

·        Understand and adhere to food safety and sanitation standards

·        Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint; able to learn new programs

·        Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, Food Safety and Food Labeling (FDA and USDA).

·        Work in a refrigerated environment

·        Ability to stand, stoop, kneel, wipe, reach, bend and safely lift to 35lbs

email your email to Tony Bryant at tony@geckohospitality.com