Research and Development Chef

Zippys; Waipahu, Northern (HI, KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zippys in Hawaii seeks a Research and Development Chef to lead new product development and recipe improvement for scalable, commercially viable items.

The role blends culinary creativity with production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness, and documentation to support brand standards and launch readiness.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One year supervisory experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and refine new recipes, product concepts, ingredients, fillings, toppings, sauces, baked goods, prepared foods, and menu items based on business needs and market trends.
• Improve existing formulas for taste, texture, appearance, yield, shelf life, cost, and production efficiency.
• Document benchtop trials, production tests, sensory feedback, costing notes, and final recommendations.
• Translate culinary concepts into standardized formulas, procedures, specifications, and production-ready instructions for scale.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership to support product development, commercialization, and launch readiness.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Active listening

Self-development

Team player

Decision making

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

POSITION TITLE: Research and Development Chef

REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager

STATUS: Exempt

DATE: July 2026

LOCATION: Food Solutions

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research and Development Chef is responsible for developing innovative food products, improving existing recipes, and translating culinary concepts into scalable, consistent, and commercially viable products. This role combines culinary creativity, production practicality, sensory evaluation, cost awareness, and strong documentation to support new product development, customer needs, operational efficiency, and brand standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, test, and refine new recipes, product concepts, ingredients, fillings, toppings, sauces, baked goods, prepared foods, and menu items based on business needs, customer requests, seasonal opportunities, and market trends.
• Improve existing formulas for taste, texture, appearance, yield, shelf life, cost, production efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct benchtop trials, production tests, taste panels, and product evaluations; document results, adjustments, costing notes, sensory feedback, and final recommendations.
• Translate culinary concepts into standardized formulas, procedures, specifications, and production-ready instructions that can be consistently executed at scale.
• Partner with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership to support product development, commercialization, customer tastings, and launch readiness.
• Evaluate ingredients, substitutes, and processing methods to support product quality.
• Support product rollouts by preparing samples, presenting product concepts, troubleshooting development or production challenges, and training production team members on new recipes and preparation standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Scheduling:

• Must be available to start work as early as 5am and stay until work is complete. Typical schedule is Monday-Friday but must be available on weekends and holidays as needed
• No less than 45 hours per week.

Physical Ability:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds,
• Standing for extended periods

Mental Ability:

• Good decision-making skills (uses independent judgment)
• Teaching / Coaching skills (able to provide guidance, support, and nurturing)
• Planning / Organizational skills
• Evaluation skills

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass pre-employment physical, TB or Mantoux test, and drug screening.

Environmental Conditions:

• Air Conditioned office environment
• Occasional time spent in the Commissary production areas

Education:

• High School diploma or GED

Experience:

• One year in a supervisory position (preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with basic computer skills
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)

Desired Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills oral and written
• Active listening skills
• Self - development skills (desire and ability to learn)
• Positive attitude and willingness to change
• Knowledge and experience in various cooking methods and equipment

Desired Attributes:

• Demonstrates the company’s Core Values of “Commitment, Humble, Integrity, Passionate, Supportive”.
• Self-motivated
• Action-oriented (exercising initiative to follow-up and follow through)
• High level of accuracy
• Detail oriented (must be very accurate)
• Ability to work under minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Team player

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.