Director of Culinary - Research and Development

Orbital Kitchens; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Culinary Director to lead culinary innovation within a large-scale virtual kitchen. This role offers the chance to shape product development strategies and oversee R&D initiatives that drive growth and enhance brand identity. You will lead a talented team, integrating cross-functional efforts to ensure successful execution of innovative culinary concepts. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will shape the future of food production at scale, making a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Benefits

Creative Autonomy

Collaborative Team Environment

Competitive Compensation

Benefits Package

Qualifications

• 10+ years of R&D leadership experience in food industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in food science or culinary arts required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement culinary R&D roadmap for new products.
• Lead multiple R&D projects ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
• Build and mentor a high-performing culinary R&D team.

Skills

Culinary Innovation

R&D Leadership

Project Management

Food Safety Regulations

Cross-Functional Leadership

Market Analysis

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

Advanced Culinary Training

Job description

Role Overview

As the Culinary Director of a large-scale virtual kitchen, you will be in charge of culinary innovation, overseeing research and development initiatives that directly influence our brands, production strategies, and long-term growth. This role demands a visionary leader with a strong foundation in culinary R&D, large-scale food production, and cross-functional leadership. You will be responsible for designing and implementing new product development strategies, guiding a high-performing team, and aligning R&D efforts with the company’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D Strategy Development: Define and implement a forward-thinking culinary R&D roadmap, including new brand development, menu engineering, and production process innovation.
• Large-Scale Production Innovation: Oversee the R&D efforts for scalable production of key product categories, including proteins, sauces, vegetables, and stocks.
• Project Management: Lead and manage multiple concurrent R&D initiatives, ensuring clear timelines, effective resource allocation, and budget adherence.
• Testing and Evaluation: Design and conduct structured R&D tests to assess new culinary concepts' feasibility, scalability, and market potential.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with operations, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure successful rollout and execution of R&D innovations.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and inspire a talented culinary R&D team. Promote a collaborative, performance-driven culture rooted in creativity and continuous learning.
• Performance Oversight: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for R&D efforts. Conduct regular evaluations and optimize team output accordingly.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by introducing cutting-edge culinary techniques, technologies, and methodologies.
  
  

Required Qualifications And Experience

• Education & Background:
• A bachelor’s degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field is required.
• Advanced culinary training or certification strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience in the food industry, ideally within large-scale production or multi-brand restaurant organizations.
• Strategic and Tactical Leadership:
• Proven ability to translate strategic vision into executable R&D plans.
• Strong grasp of food development processes, research methodologies, and market analysis.
• Exceptional prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Project & Operational Excellence:
• Track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Experience managing cross-functional project teams and vendor relationships.
• Servant Leadership & Communication:
• Empathetic, confident leader who motivates through example and clear direction.
• High emotional intelligence with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Skilled at navigating and unifying cross-functional teams around shared goals.
  

What We Offer

• A leadership role with high impact and visibility in a rapidly growing company
• Creative autonomy and the opportunity to shape culinary innovation at scale
• Collaborative, forward-thinking team environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Orbital Kitchens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe in fostering a workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique talents.