Corporate Research & Development Chef
Furmano Foods
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Furmano Foods in Northumberland, PA is seeking a Corporate Chef to lead new product development and food science initiatives. You will drive culinary strategies, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and shepherd concepts from ideation to commercialization.
The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development and strong food science knowledge, superb project management, and leadership abilities, plus proficiency in Excel and MS Office.
Qualifications
- BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science.
- Active involvement in industry associations such as Research Chef’s Association or IFT.
Responsibilities
- Conceptualize, develop, and launch new food products aligned with company objectives and market trends relative to Foodservice operators and consumer facing Retail products.
- Lead the New Product Development group to develop and track the NPD pipeline and vet ideas with Operations and Manufacturing.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Production, Operations, Quality) to bring products from concept to commercialization.
- Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, formulations, and process documentation.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to assess product quality and acceptability.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Furmano Foods, you join a value-driven company with a legacy built on farm, faith,and family since 1921. We are dedicated to producing quality, shelf-stable foods while
Position Summary:
Furmano Foods is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Corporate Chef to lead our new product development and food science initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food science principles, and Foodservice Operator and Retail Consumer trends. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to manage tactical execution and detail in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Proven ability to manage projects from inception through commercialization working cross-functionally to achieve goals on timeline.
Education:
(Include licenses, certifications, permits)
Preferred BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food
Science. Is active in industry associations and organizations i.e.,
Research Chef’s Association, IFT, etc.
- · Minimum of 8 years in product development, culinary
- · research; or related field
- • Proven track record of successful product launches.
- • Strong understanding of food science principles,
- · including ingredient functionality, processing
- · techniques, and sensory evaluation.
- • Excellent project management and organizational
- · skills.
- • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced,
- · collaborative environment.
- • Strong leadership and communication skills.
- • Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft
- · Word and Outlook.
- • Experience in Food Manufacturing industry
- • Knowledge of statistical analysis and data intepretation
Proficient in recipe and menu development. Solid communication and presentation skills. Demonstrates the ability
to win business.
Good physical and mental health, sound judgment and high moral standards and a sincere desire to work with individuals from varied backgrounds. Travel approximately 25% of the time
- o Conceptualize, develop, and launch new food products aligned with company objectives and market trends relative to Foodservice operators and consumer facing Retail products.
- o Work with VP Sales & Marketing, Marketing team and New Product Development group to conduct thorough market research to identify consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.
- o Lead the New Product Development group to develop and track the NPD pipeline. Vet new product ideas with Operationsand Manufacturing capabilities and capacity in mind. Refresh existing assortment as needed to remain on point with market preferences and ingredient trends.
- o Work directly with customers to build customize products whether to match an existing item or collaborate to build a new item through ideation and feedback.
- o Manage co-pack relationships as well as commercialization and on-going manufacturing with third party partners.
- o Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Production, Operations, Quality) to bring products from concept to commercialization.
- o Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, formulations, and process documentation.
- o Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to assess product quality and acceptability.
- o Apply food science principles to optimize product development, ensuring product safety, quality, and shelf life.
- o Research and implement new food technologies and ingredients to enhance product innovation.
- o Possess and maintain a strong understanding of food regulations (e.g., FDA, GFSI etc.) and compliance standards.
- o Conduct ingredient and supplier evaluations to ensure product integrity.
- o Work with and assist Quality Assurance through commercialization process as needed (e.g., heat penetration work for new items, testing and validation of raw materials)
- o Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within the team.
- o Provide technical guidance and support to the culinary team.
- o Assist with customer or trade show presentations as needed.
- o Develop and manage Culinary and New Product Development budgets.
- o Analyze product performance and profitability to inform future product strategies.
- o Present product concepts and results to senior management.
Physical Environment
Manual Dexterity:
Audible / Visual Demands
Full-time
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
- Corporate Chaplain
- On-site Nurse
- Dependent Scholarship Assistance Program
- • Northumberland, PA 17857 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person/Travel approximately 25% of the time
This position is considered ' at-will', meaning employment can be terminated at any time by either party, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.
Furmano Foods is an equal opportunity employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit the supervisor's
ability to modify work assignments as appropriate to meet the needs of theorganization.
: Inspires teammates to follow them
: Considered a thought leader on a subject
: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
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