Research and Development Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Kahala, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising, has an opportunity for a Research and Development Chef to join its Ops Services Team in Scottsdale, Arizona. Kahala franchisees and partners operate a portfolio of many QSR brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Baja Fresh, Pinkberry, among others, in over 20 countries around the world.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Serve as an R&D Chef for Kahala Brands. Develop new products, procedures and processes for various savory brands. Work with internal teams and suppliers to make improvements to existing products. Work closely with Operations and Purchasing to procure products as needed. Mentor R&D Manager to promote knowledge, skills, and growth. Monitor current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies. Assist with the setup, execution and breakdown of headquarters meetings, events and employee activities.

• Create and develop new products, menu items and product lines for a variety of savory brands

• Lead product development ideation process and create LTO/promotional menu items
• Develop and refine specifications for new and/or existing products
• Conduct product evaluations while maintaining food safety and regulatory requirements specific to the menu development
• Provide technical expertise and resolve any technical, operational and performance issues that arise during product development
• Analyze feedback and results from product cuttings
• Complete accurate food costing and ingredients for developed products
• Work with multiple departments on all aspects of test programs and product rollouts, including Purchasing, Distribution, Marketing, Operations and Training
• Conduct equipment testing
• Meet with suppliers for prospective new products, ideations for new items and improvements for existing items
• Develop new menus for emerging brands
• Assist with product photoshoots and pre-shoot preparation of products
• Mentor R&D Manager to promote knowledge, skills, and growth
• Share responsibilities for nutritional analysis using ESHA Genesis nutrition software
• Monitor current industry trends, consumer insights and competitive restaurant/menu strategies
• Support various Ops Services team responsibilities and assist with headquarters events such as dry run fundraisers, employee lunches and employee activities (e.g., planning/setting up/hosting/breaking down headquarters events)

• 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

Benefits ( Subject to Change ):

• 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
• Hybrid work schedule