Flavor Integrity & Manufacturing Implementation Lead

Praxy; Imperial (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kevin's Natural Foods is seeking an Culinary Assurance & Implementation Lead to ensure flavor integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across manufacturing sites and co-manufacturers.

Reporting to the Manager of Culinary Assurance & Implementation, you will collaborate with Operations, QA, and R&D to translate culinary requirements into scalable processes, lead line startups, conduct sensory evaluations, and support audits.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic with a proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Ability to balance independent decision-making with collaborative teamwork.
• Flexible and adaptable mindset capable of responding effectively to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to influence and build productive working relationships across multiple departments.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for food quality, consistency, and execution.

Responsibilities

• Support the consistent execution of flavor, texture, appearance, portioning, and finished product standards across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturers.
• Assist Operation teams in translating approved culinary requirements into repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.
• Participate in first production runs, line startups, and process changes for existing products.
• Verify that production activities align with documented SOPs, product specifications, and intended culinary outcomes.
• Conduct routine sensory evaluations and in-line product assessments to support adherence to established quality standards.
• Escalate culinary-related quality concerns and partner with internal stakeholders to support corrective actions and resolution efforts.
• Provide observations and data-based feedback regarding execution trends, opportunities, and operational risks.
• Maintain and update culinary SOPs, preparation guidelines, build sheets, and sensory standards under the direction of department leadership.
• Serve as a day-to-day culinary support resource for manufacturing teams, reinforcing standards, consistency, and best practices.
• Assist in the delivery of training for Operations, QA, R&D, and Production teams on culinary standards, quality drivers, and critical control points.
• Collaborate closely with Quality and Food Safety partners to support compliance with HACCP, GMP, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Help ensure culinary processes align with sanitation protocols, allergen control procedures, labeling accuracy, and food safety standards.
• Support the maintenance of accurate product specifications and allergen controls in partnership with Quality Assurance.
• Contribute to internal and external audits by providing culinary expertise and documentation support.
• Assist with investigations related to consumer complaints, product holds, quality concerns, and deviations from standards.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve product consistency, process repeatability, and execution efficiency while maintaining approved product intent.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers as needed to support product execution, training, and consistency initiatives.
• Manage assigned responsibilities autonomously while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Other duties as assigned and necessary.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Independent decision-making

Collaborative teamwork

Flexible/adaptable mindset

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Follow-through

Influence across departments

Attention to detail

Job description

Kevin's Natural Foods is seeking an Culinary Assurance & Implementation Lead to ensure flavor integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across manufacturing sites and co-manufacturers.

Reporting to the Manager of Culinary Assurance & Implementation, you will collaborate with Operations, QA, and R&D to translate culinary requirements into scalable processes, lead line startups, conduct sensory evaluations, and support audits.