<p>About Us</p> <p>At FreshDirect, we are reinventing the grocery experience. Since day one, our mission has been simple: bring the best, freshest food directly from the farm to people's home - faster, fresher, and smarter than anyone else.</p> <p>We are not just a food company - we are a technology powered, customer obsessed team building the most innovative end to end food supply chain in the industry. From proprietary routing systems to our state of the art fulfillment center, every part of our business is designed to deliver unmatched quality, convenience and care.</p> <p>We partner directly with farmers, fishermen, and artisans to source the highest quality ingredients, then use smart data, automation, and logistics to get them to our customers' door at peak freshness. It's grocery shopping reimagined and we are just getting started.</p> <p>If you are passionate about innovation, care about what people eat, and want to be part of a team doing what no one else is doing, come build future of food with us.</p> <p>The Role</p> <p>Join FreshDirect's Research & Development team as a Culinary Research & Development Intern and gain hands-on experience at the intersection of food innovation and commercial production. In this role, you'll support our test kitchen operations, help maintain production timelines, and contribute to our R&D innovation calendar.</p> <p>Working closely with our Test Kitchen Manager, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams-including Manufacturing, Production Planning, Supply Planning, and Nutrition-to learn how new food concepts move from idea to execution. This internship offers a unique opportunity to build practical skills in culinary development, food quality management, and large-scale production processes.</p> <ul> <li>Location: Bronx, NY (FreshDirect Production Facility) </li><li>Duration: 13-16 weeks </li><li>Commitment: Full-time (40 hours/week) preferred; part-time considered </li><li>Compensation: $23-$25 per hour </li></ul> <p>What You'll Do</p> <ol> <li>Test Kitchen Operations & Culinary Support </li></ol> <ul> <li>Assist with daily kitchen upkeep, including inventory, equipment checks, and cleaning schedules. </li><li>Maintain an organized workspace and ensure proper ingredient/equipment storage. </li><li>Help with equipment troubleshooting, restocking supplies, and supporting food safety and sanitation practices. </li><li>Support tastings, cuttings, and evaluations by preparing materials, coordinating schedules, and documenting feedback. </li></ul> <ol start="2"> <li>Data, Documentation & Administrative Support </li></ol> <ul> <li>Enter and update recipes in SAP under supervision and assist with cost analysis activities. </li><li>Maintain records of testing results, stakeholder communications, and project documentation. </li><li>Assist with data entry, timeline tracking, and deliverable management for product launches and R&D projects. </li><li>Provide administrative support for new product development, updates, and internal events. </li></ul> <ol start="3"> <li>Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Support </li></ol> <ul> <li>Partner with Production Planning, Supply Planning, and Nutrition teams on production flow, vendor communication, and specification tracking. </li><li>Support the Nutrition team with portion size documentation and weight measurements. </li><li>Coordinate with Copy Editors, Labeling, and Photography teams for product updates and photo shoots. </li><li>Contribute to special events, brand promotions, and preparation of product specification documents. </li></ul> <p>Learning Opportunities</p> <p>Technical Skills Development</p> <ul> <li>Gain hands-on experience with test kitchen operations and maintenance. </li><li>Learn and apply food safety and sanitation protocols. </li><li>Develop basic cost accounting and analysis skills. </li><li>Build proficiency with SAP/ERP systems for recipe and data entry. </li><li>Strengthen project management, scheduling, and documentation skills. </li></ul> <p>Industry Exposure</p> <ul> <li>Experience the daily operations of a commercial test kitchen. </li><li>Learn how manufacturing and production planning processes are coordinated. </li><li>Understand supply chain logistics and vendor management. </li><li>Collaborate across functions including Nutrition, Supply Planning, and Labeling. </li><li>Explore product costing, feasibility analysis, and nutritional compliance. </li></ul> <p>Professional Development</p> <ul> <li>Receive mentorship from the R&D Chef and Test Kitchen Manager. </li><li>Gain visibility to senior leadership and strategic planning discussions. </li><li>Build cross-functional project management experience. </li><li>Strengthen presentation, communication, and teamwork skills. </li><li>Expand your professional network within the food industry. </li></ul> <p>What You'll Bring</p> <p>Education & Background</p> <ul> <li>Currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related program (Junior, Senior, or Graduate student preferred). </li><li>Strong academic performance (3.0+ GPA preferred) with relevant coursework in food service operations, business, or culinary management. </li><li>Prior food service, professional kitchen, or culinary internship experience is a plus. </li></ul> <p>Skills & Competencies</p> <ul> <li>Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage projects over several weeks. </li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; basic familiarity with cost accounting concepts a plus. </li><li>Clear communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and cross-functionally. </li><li>Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. </li><li>Passion for food, cooking, and high-quality ingredients. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of food safety standards and sanitation practices. </li><li>Project management coursework or experience. </li><li>Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred). </li></ul> <p>What We Offer</p> <p>Compensation: Expected salary range of ($23.00 to $25.00) per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be confirmed during the interview process.</p> <ul> <li>Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous Paid Time Off, Safe & Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays so you can rest, reset, and spend time on what matters most. </li><li>Comprehensive Health Coverage: We've got you covered with medical, vision, dental, and voluntary disability benefits designed to support you and your family's well-being. </li><li>Future-Ready Finances: Build your future with our 401(k) plan + employer match, and gain peace of mind with life insurance benefits. </li><li>Workplace You'll Love: Our modern Bronx campus features a state-of-the-art facility, a full gym, an inviting cafeteria, and an employee market. We also provide free parking and a shuttle service from nearby MTA stations for an easy commute. </li><li>Growth & Development: Your career growth matters to us. We offer leadership development programs, plus exclusive tuition discounts through our partnerships with local colleges. </li><li>Exclusive Perks: Get a 20% employee discount on FreshDirect online orders and our wine store. Shop amazing deals at our on-site employee market, and join fun engagement events and vendor spotlights where you can sample the very best of what we offer </li></ul> <p>Our Culture</p> <p>We embrace an in-office culture, composed of individuals who thrive on the collaboration and energy that comes from working together in a shared space. We are looking for people who excel in this environment, where physical presence enhances connections and engagement. At FreshDirect, we've created an environment that thrives on teamwork, where associates can innovate, grow, and have successful careers. Many of our leaders have successfully come up through our ranks. Because of our team's extraordinary efforts, we are a leading innovator in the e-commerce and grocery industries.</p> <p>Equal Opportunity</p> <p>We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Fresh Direct, LLC and its affiliates do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law.</p> <p>Disclaimer</p> <p>The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Team member(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this position. Position Expectations may be subject to change as the needs of the organization changes.</p> <p>#LI-LG1</p>