Executive Chef - Kitchen Manager - Food Product Development at SALO Cocina & A Good Story Foods – Caguas

About the Role:

The Executive Chef - Kitchen Manager - Food Product Development role is a multifaceted leadership position responsible for overseeing all culinary operations within the kitchen while driving innovation in food product creation. This role demands a strategic thinker who can manage kitchen staff efficiently, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation are consistently met. The successful candidate will lead the development and testing of new recipes and food products, aligning them with market trends and customer preferences to enhance the company’s competitive edge. Collaboration with suppliers, marketing teams, and quality assurance is essential to ensure product feasibility and compliance with regulatory standards. Ultimately, this position aims to blend culinary excellence with innovative product development to elevate the brand’s reputation and profitability in the food industry.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior culinary role with demonstrated kitchen management responsibilities.
• Proven experience in food product development, including recipe creation and testing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen sanitation protocols.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification from a recognized culinary institution (e.g., Certified Executive Chef - CEC).
• Experience working in a food manufacturing or product development environment.
• Familiarity with nutritional analysis and food labeling regulations.
• Proficiency in inventory management and kitchen budgeting software.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily kitchen operations, including staff scheduling, training, and performance management to maintain a productive and motivated team.
• Develop, test, and refine new food products and recipes, ensuring they meet quality, taste, and cost standards.
• Oversee inventory control, procurement of ingredients, and supplier relationships to optimize kitchen efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to align product development with consumer trends and business goals.
• Monitor food preparation and presentation to maintain consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for kitchen processes and product development workflows.
• Analyze customer feedback and sales data to inform continuous improvement of food products and kitchen operations.

Skills:

The required skills are applied daily to lead and inspire kitchen staff, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality food production. Culinary expertise and creativity are essential for developing innovative recipes and food products that meet market demands. Strong organizational and communication skills facilitate effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation is critical to maintaining compliance and protecting customer health. Preferred skills such as bilingual communication and familiarity with food labeling enhance the ability to navigate diverse markets and regulatory environments, contributing to the overall success of product development initiatives.