Culinary Innovation Manager - Arby's

Arby's; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire is seeking a Culinary Innovation & Product Development leader to drive core menu and limited-time offerings for Arby’s. You’ll partner with Category Management, translate briefs into prototypes, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver first-in-class products at scale.

The role emphasizes consumer insights, cost optimization, and system readiness from concept through testing to commercialization. Travel ~20% and collaboration with suppliers, QA, operations, and marketing are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-year degree with concentration in Culinary Arts or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in culinary product development and menu strategy.
• Proficient with Excel/Word/PowerPoint; strong presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel ~20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary innovation and product development for core menu and LTOs.
• Translate briefs into viable products; collaborate with insights team and vendors.
• Support cost/yield analyses, QA/regulatory readiness, and system launch readiness.
• Develop training materials; refine front/back of house processes in collaboration with operations.
• Coordinate supplier relations and sourcing strategy for cost-competitive launches.

Skills

Culinary product development

Menu strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Cost optimization

Education

2-year degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science

4-year degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Deliver industry-leading product innovation that drives traffic, revenue, and guest satisfaction. Champion consumer-inspired culinary experiences across existing menu, new LTOs, cost optimization, and procedures/operations. Culinary is the heartbeat of the Arby’s brand strategy & business – our equity is based on menu diversity that sets new standards for innovation in QSR.Duties and Responsibilities1. Culinary innovation & product development, including core menu and LTO innovation. Partner with Category Management team throughout the innovation process, including concept/ideation, product development, in-market testing & commercialization for system launcha. Creative culinarian who inspires the team to push boundaries and strives to create the first in class, best in class and/or only products of target category offered in QSRb. Responsible for translating culinary briefs into product innovation that drives new guest acquisition and industry-leading guest satisfactionc. Work with Insights Team to conduct consumer/guest research to understand consumer needs & product optimization, including execution/preparation of product for testingd. Work with vendor partners to develop new products from concept to prototype, prototype to costed commercially viable sample, and through system commercialization process.e. In touch with culinary trends and competitive innovationf. Participate & cook in key culinary events: Inspire & Arby’s Board Meetings, Annual Franchise Conference, Arby’s Foundation, Executive Tastings, Arby’s Foundation2. Deliver consistent, high quality guest experiences across the system - ‘Get it done’ by working collaboratively with Marketing, Operations, commercialization (QA) & Supply Chain leaders to align strategy and ensure excellence in executionStrong program management, operational discipline, and cross functional collaboration to deliver innovation that is consumer-led, financially attractive and executable at scaleNew product launch readiness – raw material/formula specifications, new product yield, confirm QA & regulatory / legal approval, establish scalable procedures & validate supplier readiness for system roll-outPartner with Operations: i) develop training materials to deliver consistent restaurant-level execution, ii) test and refine back/front of house process and procedures, iii) select equipment to improve guest experience and launch new products, iv) improve and optimize packaging to enhance guest satisfaction and reduce costWork with Supply Chain (Arby’s Co-op and Inspire) to manage supplier relationships, define sourcing strategy and negotiate cost3. Other duties as assignedRequirements:Minimum 2-Year Degree with a Concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific disciplinePreferred 4-Year Degree with a Concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific discipline3+ Years of experience Required in Culinary product development and menu strategyExperience preferred: Multi-unit Restaurant ChainPassion for Food & Culinary mastery – creative menu development, food products, cost, manufacturing, restaurant operations and equipmentCollaboration – demonstrated ability to work with other functions and external vendors to build trust & deliver resultsStrategy & program development – ability to take idea to execution, managing multiple priorities and functional engagementStrong organization and presentation skills – balance multiple priorities, keep timelines & records, clearly written & verbal communicationThrives in ambiguity – ability to multi-task with minimal direct supervision. Move quickly on tight timelines while maintaining strong work product & quality standardsProficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Travel Required - Approximately 20% including Supplier visits, Industry Events, Research and Culinary ToursInspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.