Director, Culinary Innovation & Menu Development

IRB USA Inspire Resources

Atlanta (GA)

On-site

USD 180,000 - 240,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Inspire, a multi-brand restaurant company, seeks a senior culinary leader to drive SONIC's menu innovation and strengthen the brand’s culinary identity. You will own product development from concept to launch, lead a talented culinary team, and collaborate with Operations, QA, Supply Chain, and Marketing to deliver differentiated, consumer-relevant menu solutions.

You will lead ideation, tastings, and workshops, balancing creativity with feasibility and financial objectives, while guiding

Qualifications

4-Year Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science or related degree is required.
10+ years experience in a culinary or product development role.
Experience in QSR culinary development highly preferred.
Strong storytelling and collaboration skills across teams.

Responsibilities

Lead Strategic Menu Development & Product Innovation.
Partner with VP to execute innovation agenda and evolve culinary identity.
Oversee development from concept through commercialization and launch.
Guide cross-functional teams across Operations, QA, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
Manage development priorities, timelines and resources for timely launches.
Lead ideation sessions, tastings, and workshops with internal/external partners.
Balance innovation with operational feasibility and financial goals.
Develop recipes, specifications, and product documentation.
Create training materials and operating procedures for consistent execution.
Coach and develop a high-performing culinary team.
Build organizational capabilities to attract top culinary talent.
Oversee departmental budgets and vendor relationships.