Retail Culinary Innovation Director

OSI Group; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

OSI Group is seeking a seasoned Culinary Development Director to lead strategic culinary initiatives across retail private label, driving innovation and scalable product development. You will oversee a cross-functional team within R&D and Culinary to translate consumer insights into market-ready concepts.

The role requires extensive culinary leadership experience, collaboration with Sales and Marketing, and a strong grasp of manufacturing feasibility and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in culinary innovation and/or food R&D in large-scale manufacturing/CPG environments.
• Proven track record leading culinary teams from concept to commercialization.
• Strong understanding of industrial food production processes and ingredient functionality.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the culinary vision aligned with corporate strategy and growth objectives.
• Lead ideation, creation, and commercialization of new food concepts.
• Serve as liaison between culinary, operations, R&D, marketing, and sales to translate insights into viable products.
• Mentor culinary professionals and product development chefs.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food R&D

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

OSI Group is seeking a seasoned Culinary Development Director to lead strategic culinary initiatives across retail private label, driving innovation and scalable product development. You will oversee a cross-functional team within R&D and Culinary to translate consumer insights into market-ready concepts.

The role requires extensive culinary leadership experience, collaboration with Sales and Marketing, and a strong grasp of manufacturing feasibility and cost optimization.