R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Leprino Foods; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 31,602 - 35,542; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid parental leave

Tuition assistance

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Leprino Foods is hiring an R&D Test Kitchen Cook in Denver, CO, to support innovative dairy product development. This role involves preparing cheese and dairy samples, documenting evaluations, and coordinating activities with various teams.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or a related field, with experience in food manufacturing preferred. Competitive compensation and benefits offered including bonuses, healthcare coverage, and more.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field or equivalent food industry experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing, quality, or product development.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cheese and dairy samples for evaluations and research projects.
• Document product evaluations to support quality initiatives.
• Coordinate sample requests to maintain testing activities.

Skills

Food manufacturing support

Product development

Food safety

Microsoft Office proficiency

Kitchen equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Within our Quality team located in Denver - Leprino is seeking a R&D Test Kitchen Cook to move our organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be 'world's best', it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $22.94 and $25.80 This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cheese and dairy ingredient samples for product evaluations, research projects, and customer submissions.
• Organize, conduct, and document product evaluations to support product development and quality initiatives.
• Coordinate sample requests and maintain accurate records to support testing activities.
• Build and maintain organized inventories of samples, ingredients, and supplies.
• Clean and organize the test kitchen, warehouse workspaces, research coolers, and freezers using established organizational standards.
• Complete daily and weekly sanitation activities to support a clean and efficient work environment.
• Support plant trials by preparing materials, coordinating sample needs, and assisting project teams.
• Assist with customer events by preparing products, arranging displays, serving food, and restoring work areas following events.
• Participate in trade shows and customer-facing activities by sharing product information and supporting demonstrations.
• Work closely with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Research & Development, Innovation, and Culinary teams to support ongoing projects.
• Communicate observations, project updates, and potential concerns to the Test Kitchen Manager in a timely manner.
• Safely operate kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including ovens, shredders, mixers, and related tools.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or equivalent food industry experience.
• Experience supporting food manufacturing, food science, product development, quality, or food safety activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience preparing, organizing, documenting, or evaluating food products in a laboratory, test kitchen, pilot plant, or manufacturing environment.
• An ability to safely operate food preparation, kitchen, or pilot plant equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Technology, or a closely related field combined with hands-on product development or test kitchen experience.
• Experience using SAP or a similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Experience supporting customer product demonstrations, trade shows, product showcases, or food service events.
• Experience working with dairy products, cheese manufacturing, or ingredient evaluation programs.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Benefits

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story

Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the 'World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.' From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more at Leprino.com