Culinary Innovation & Growth Leader

Ventura Foods; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits

401(k) Matching

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

Ventura Foods is seeking a Manager of Culinary Services in Irvine, CA, with a hybrid work setup including Sandy Springs, GA. The role leads culinary innovation, supports customers, and coordinates with Sales, Product Development, Insights, and Marketing to accelerate speed-to-market and menu development.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in culinary roles, strong cross-functional leadership, and readiness to travel up to 40%. Bachelor’s degree preferred; AA/AOC or equivalent considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field preferred; AA/AOC or apprenticeship may be considered.
• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience in restaurant operations, food manufacturer, or culinary sales.
• 3+ years in a food manufacturer role preferred.
• Experience includes hands-on kitchen operations, menu innovation, product development, direct customer engagement, team leadership, commercialization, and turning strategy into business growth.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% for customer meetings and industry events.

Responsibilities

• Provides menu and product innovation services to key customers in multiple business channels.
• Develops menu concepts and products and leads cross-functional teams to present solutions to customers.
• Develops digital tools for concepts, training, social media, and direct customer engagement.
• Acts as culinary site leader for the Irvine location; manages kitchen events and relationships with facilities including contracted venues.
• Documents all customer project activity in Salesforce to capture value and time invested.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Cross-functional

Customer Engagement

Presentation Skills

Education

Culinary degree preferred

AA/AOC or equivalent

Job description

Ventura Foods is seeking a Manager of Culinary Services in Irvine, CA, with a hybrid work setup including Sandy Springs, GA. The role leads culinary innovation, supports customers, and coordinates with Sales, Product Development, Insights, and Marketing to accelerate speed-to-market and menu development.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in culinary roles, strong cross-functional leadership, and readiness to travel up to 40%. Bachelor’s degree preferred; AA/AOC or equivalent considered.