Culinary Innovation Lead: Drive Breakthrough Menu Concepts

inspirebrands; Georgia; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire Brands seeks a senior Culinary Innovation Leader to drive industry-leading menu development from concept to commercialization across Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC brands. You will coach a multidisciplinary team, translate briefs into differentiated products, and stay hands-on through prototyping and testing.

You will guide cross-functional partners, align commercialization readiness, and manage multiple streams with a focus on guest

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 Year Degree with a concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific discipline
• Preferred 4 Year Degree with a concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific discipline
• 8+ years of progressive experience in culinary innovation, food science, product development, menu strategy, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading complex innovation programs from concept through commercialization.
• Multi-unit restaurant, foodservice, or consumer packaged goods experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coaching team members and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work with senior leaders and deliver business results.
• Passion for Food & Culinary mastery – creative menu development, food products, cost, manufacturing, restaurant operations and equipment
• Collaboration – demonstrated ability to work with other functions and external vendors to build trust & deliver results
• Strategy & program development – ability to take idea to execution, managing multiple priorities and functional engagement
• Strong organization and presentation skills – balance multiple priorities, keep timelines & records, clearly written & verbal communication
• Thrives in ambiguity – ability to multi-task with minimal direct supervision. Move quickly on tight timelines while maintaining strong work product & quality standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

• Lead larger and more complex core menu, LTO, and product improvement initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Translate culinary briefs, consumer insights, and business objectives into differentiated products that drive guest satisfaction and traffic.
• Remain hands-on in the kitchen, providing culinary direction through prototyping, optimization, product testing, and validation.
• Guide vendor partners from concept to commercially viable samples and through the commercialization process.
• Identify relevant culinary, consumer, and competitive trends and apply them to current and future development work.
• Champion first-in-class, best-in-class, and differentiated products that strengthen Inspire Brands’ position in QSR.
• Champion food quality across all assigned projects and categories, proactively identifying risks, ensuring cross-functional partners take timely corrective action, and driving preventative measures that protect guest satisfaction and brand equity.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams, clarify priorities, manage timelines, and proactively elevate risks or resource needs.
• Guide commercialization readiness, including specifications, yields, supplier readiness, procedures, training, packaging, and equipment needs.
• Build alignment among partners and drive disciplined follow-through from development through launch.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and development for assigned Culinary Innovation team members.
• Support workload prioritization and resource planning across multiple projects in partnership with the Director.
• Serve as a culinary and technical resource, helping team members solve development and commercialization challenges.
• Foster a team culture of creativity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support the Director in developing innovation priorities, category strategies, and short- and long-term pipeline recommendations.
• Participate in annual planning, innovation showcases, executive tastings, supplier sessions, and culinary trend exploration.
• Identify opportunities to improve team processes, tools, capabilities, and ways of working.
• Approximately 20% travel for supplier visits, industry events, and culinary tours.

Job description

Inspire Brands seeks a senior Culinary Innovation Leader to drive industry-leading menu development from concept to commercialization across Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC brands. You will coach a multidisciplinary team, translate briefs into differentiated products, and stay hands-on through prototyping and testing.

You will guide cross-functional partners, align commercialization readiness, and manage multiple streams with a focus on guest