R&D Associate Manager at Del Taco, LLC – Lake Forest, California

JOB TITLE: R&D Associate Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Research & Development

REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development

SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual

Position Summary:

Seeking an innovative product developer with a growth mindset and a desire to create and inspire the food culture at Del Taco. This position is responsible for the execution of the innovation pipeline. This includes product design and experimentation, leveraging consumer insights throughout development, commercialization with cross functional partners, and presenting progress to leadership for feedback and alignment throughout the innovation process. The R&D Associate Manager will play a key role in bringing Del Taco Innovation to life!

Essential Job Functions / Duties:

• Contribute to an innovative, curiosity-driven, food forward mindset in the organization
• Design, develop, and test new products to ensure they meet ideal customer experience in restaurant. (hold time, temperature, product yields, shelf life, texture, etc.)
• Lead the development and alignment of product culinary gold standards and specifications to ensure high quality standards throughout commercialization.
• Partner with Finance to develop cost for new products.
• Supports the team to maintain Marketing and Research & Development plans and timelines, including key tasks and milestones to meet project due dates.
• Attend and provide assembly and expertise for new product photoshoots & commercials.
• Collaborate effectively with cross functional partners and suppliers (Operations, Supply Chain, Consumer Insights, Finance) to move projects forward and to work through identified issues.
• Present product updates to key stakeholders as we move through the innovation process
• Access emerging culinary and industry trends to explore ways to apply the learning to Del Taco projects.

Skills and Experience

• Proven hands-on product developer and implementer of innovation projects
• Proven sensory knowledge to test and establish ideal product characteristics (culinary gold standard) that are communicated and delivered in end-product to consumer
• Ability to work closely with suppliers in developing and improving processes to achieve commercial viability for products
• Demonstrates a practical approach of product development and operational systems, supplier food processing, and the impact of distribution chains
• Proven track record of working with and influencing cross-functional partners
• Must work well with diverse groups and support a working team relationship
• High energy, positive, proactive, and flexible team player
• Strong analytical/investigative and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while maintaining priorities and details
• Able to work independently, proactively, and communicate with the team (verbal and written)
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary, or related field with 5-7 years product development experience in restaurant industry.

Tools & Technologies

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook Email
• Able to communicate clearly over email and phone

Licenses / Permits Required

• ServSafe Manager Certification (can be obtained once hired)
• Food Handler's Certificate (can be obtained once hired)
• Valid Driver License and reliable transportation

Additional Requirements

• Requires mainly working from the corporate office/test kitchen environment located in Lake Forest, CA; Monday – Friday
• Extended periods of standing and working in kitchen
• Approximately 10% - 20% travel required, training sessions and meetings are a part of the job
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate. (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, rush projects, other tasks)

LIST TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED ON THIS JOB:

Kitchen and Office equipment