Kitchen Test Supervisor at Curion – Redwood City, California

At Curion, We Connect Brands to People. Our expertise and passionate pursuit of insights enable our clients to make informed decisions that drive meaningful impact. Our vision? Advancing the way brands connect to people to build a better future. Our core values: Integrity, Resiliency, Accountability, Curiosity, and Collaboration.

The Kitchen Test Supervisor is responsible for the set-up and execution of all projects fielding in the local Curion location, including, but not limited to, Central Location Tests (CLTs), Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA®) groups, and Home Use tests(HUTs). The Test Supervisor reviews, understands, and follows test instructions/execution protocols, such as setting up kitchen and/or testing space with proper supplies and equipment. The Test Supervisor works directly with the Facility Director, Testing Operations Manager, and Project Manager to discuss the project schedule and details. The Test Supervisor monitors product inventory, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of project requirements are met.

Responsibilities Include:

• Proactively reviewing testing plans to ensure kitchen or testing prep area and testing room can be set up according to instructions, identifying and communicating any potential challenges
• Arriving on site before client arrival to greet clients in conjunction with Testing Operations Manager
• Participating in location leadership discussion with Consumer Liaison and Testing Operations Manager upon arrival on study day to ensure all study details are communicated
• Supervising study execution by overseeing field staff, managing RedJade serve console, ensuring superior product condition and serve accuracy, maintaining kitchen safety and cleanliness protocols, following execution instructions, and following photo requirements in full detail.
• Ensuring quality control during testing
• Attending execution briefings and providing input or suggestions regarding execution
• Performing test cooks as requested and communicating with clients and Project Managers regarding test cook results
• Maintaining clean and organized kitchen and storage areas
• Where applicable, receiving and handling incoming product shipments, including unpacking product, assessing for damage, and overseeing proper product handling and storage protocols
• Managing inventory process in conjunction with Inventory Technician (where applicable) according to Curion protocol, including proper handling, labeling, and storage of test products, inventory documentation (inventory received and leftover after fielding), and communication of inventory status to Curion project management teams
• Monitoring kitchen and testing room supply levels and submitting requests for replenishment when needed
• Completing product photo process, to include taking package and serve photos, sharing photos with project managers and saving them in appropriate folders (package photos will be managed by Inventory Technician in locations where applicable)
• Communicating regularly with project managers, especially if/when project specifications or dates change
• Interacting/working with clients onsite
• Assisting as a liaison for employee issues, escalating issues to management, when necessary
• Assisting Testing Operations Manager, Project Manager, and Warehouse Manager with the coordination of outgoing shipments
• Overseeing kitchen equipment management, including proper storage and cleaning of cooking equipment, collaboration with Testing Operations Manager or Facility Director for specialized electrical needs, and moving equipment in and out of the kitchen area, when needed
• Assisting kitchen team with study prep and execution when staff levels are inadequate (labeling, portioning, setup/cleanup, serving)
• Holding daily team meetings in Testing Operations Manager’s absence
• Assisting with training of new field technicians
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures, including prevention of slips, trips, and falls, recording injuries, etc.
• Attention to client confidentiality as related to equipment, products, and study details

Job Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills with a particular focus upon managing details
• Outstanding listening and communication skills—both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to develop and meet schedule deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and familiarity with Asana
• Ability to adapt smoothly to last-minute changes
• Prior leadership experience a plus
• 1 to 4 years of market research experience is a plus
• Experience as a kitchen manager or working in a restaurant kitchen environment is a plus
• Ability to use a computer and participate in audio/video conversations
• Obtain and maintain ServSafe Manager Certification within by end of first month of employment

Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand on feet for long periods of time
• Able to walk within facility for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly, and up to 50 pounds on occasion

For Curion’s Kitchen Test Supervisor positions located in Redwood City, we offer a starting pay rate between $19.50-$22.50 based on the qualifications and experience of each individual. This is a full-time position, deemed non-exempt for overtime purposes, and, therefore, is subject to overtime compensation. Curion offers a benefits package for this position including a 401(k) Retirement Account, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, and Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision, Basic life, Short and Long-Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Critical Insurance, Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA)).

Curion is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.

About Curion:

Curion specializes in delivering impactful insights to the world’s top CPG companies, helping them develop winning, repeatedly purchased products. Curion’s deep data-driven product insights, sensory expertise, and state-of-the-art consumer centers enable them to uncover responses to critical client objectives. With over five decades of experience in the product testing industry, Curion is dedicated to guiding clients with their proprietary XP Xperience Performance platform, connecting brands to consumers at every step.

An innovator in the industry, Curion recently developed a groundbreaking benchmarking product testing method, the Curion Score™, which has become a trusted and sought after tool within the industry. As one of the largest product and consumer insights companies in the U.S., Curion has built a reputation for excellence and trust among the world’s leading consumer brands. Curion’s commitment to innovation and expertise, coupled with a passion for delivering actionable insights, makes Curion a valuable partner for companies looking to develop and launch successful products.