Corporate Research & Development Chef

Furmano's; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Employee assistance

Flexible spending

On-site nurse

Scholarship program

Corporate Chaplain

Dependent scholarship

Job summary

Furmano Foods seeks a Corporate Chef to lead our new product development and food science initiatives. You will guide cross-functional teams from concept through commercialization, shaping strategic R&D directions for Foodservice and Retail products.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in product development or culinary research, a BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science, and strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Travel about 25% is required.

Qualifications

• BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science.
• 8+ years in product development or culinary research.
• Experience in food manufacturing and knowledge of regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the New Product Development group from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Production, Operations, Quality).
• Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, formulations, and process documentation.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to assess product quality and acceptability.
• Manage co-pack relationships and third-party manufacturing as needed.

Skills

Recipe development

Menu development

Communication

Presentation

Business development

Education

Culinary or Food Science degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

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 nurturing our team members, community, and the environment. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact while contributing to a culture of quality, service, and sustainability.

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:

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.

Experience / Qualifications:

• 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 interpretation

Skills / Abilities:

Proficient in recipe and menu development. Solid communication and presentation skills. Demonstrates the ability to win business.

Physical Demands :

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development

• Conceptualize, develop, and launch new food products aligned with company objectives and market trends relative to Foodservice operators and consumer facing Retail products.
• Work with VP Sales & Marketing, Marketing team and New Product Development group to conduct thorough market research to identify consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manage co-pack relationships as well as commercialization and on-going manufacturing with third party partners.
• 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.

Food Science

• Apply food science principles to optimize product development, ensuring product safety, quality, and shelf life.
• Research and implement new food technologies and ingredients to enhance product innovation.
• Possess and maintain a strong understanding of food regulations (e.g., FDA, GFSI etc.) and compliance standards.
• Conduct ingredient and supplier evaluations to ensure product integrity.
• 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)

Team Leadership and Support

• Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within the team.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the culinary team.
• Assist with customer or trade show presentations as needed.

Business Acumen

• Develop and manage Culinary and New Product Development budgets.
• Analyze product performance and profitability to inform future product strategies.Present product concepts and results to senior management.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment
Manual Dexterity:
Audible / Visual Demands

Job Type:

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

Ability to Commute:

Northumberland, PA 17857 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person/Travel approximately 25% of the time

Leader

Inspires teammates to follow them

Functional Expert

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe

Job Security

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Education

Bachelors or better.

Experience

8 years: Product development / Culinary research

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.