<p>ABOUT THE ROLE</p> <p>We're seeking a highly creative, client-facing, and commercially minded Culinary R&D Manager to join our culinary innovation team. This role sits at the intersection of culinary excellence, strategic thinking, and relationship management-bringing food concepts to life in ways that drive growth for our clients.</p> <p>You'll lead culinary ideation and product development for key accounts, translate trends into actionable opportunities, and deliver compelling presentations that inspire restaurant partners. As a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teams, you'll play a critical role in shaping innovation pipelines and driving menu adoption.</p> <p>RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <p>Client Leadership & Business Development</p> <ul> <li>Lead culinary strategy and concept development for assigned client accounts, aligning innovation with operator needs and client business objectives </li><li>Identify and proactively generate new concept opportunities with restaurant chains that leverage client products and capabilities </li><li>Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across top national restaurant chains, manufacturers, and partners </li><li>Serve as a primary client-facing representative-leading presentations, culinary demonstrations, and ideation sessions that drive menu placements </li><li>Partner with internal leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities and organic account growth </li><li>Provide ongoing consultative support to ensure client satisfaction and long-term partnership success </li><li>Deliver regular updates, insights, and performance reporting to senior leadership </li></ul> <p>Team Leadership & Collaboration</p> <ul> <li>Manage, mentor, and develop junior culinary team members, fostering growth and accountability </li><li>Review and approve culinary work to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with client expectations </li><li>Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, strategy, and account teams to deliver integrated solutions </li></ul> <p>Culinary Innovation & R&D</p> <ul> <li>Lead end-to-end culinary development-from ideation through execution-including concept creation, recipe development, and final product specifications </li><li>Translate emerging culinary, consumer, and menu trends into relevant, on-brand concepts for clients </li><li>Test, refine, and scale recipes and products with a focus on operational feasibility and menu viability </li><li>Introduce new ingredients, techniques, and processes to elevate innovation and differentiation </li><li>Maintain strong connections within the culinary industry (restaurants, associations, suppliers) to stay ahead of trends </li></ul> <p>Operational Excellence</p> <ul> <li>Ensure all culinary work adheres to food safety standards and best practices </li><li>Maintain organized documentation of recipes, processes, and project outcomes </li></ul> <p>SKILLLS/QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>Degree from a nationally recognized culinary school. </li><li>5+ years in progressive culinary roles-R&D, sales, or corporate settings. </li><li>Proven leadership and mentoring skills. </li><li>Strong relationship building and communication. </li><li>Experience in restaurant operations, manufacturing, and food safety. </li><li>Highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. </li><li>Deep knowledge of food trends, menu development, and operational execution. </li><li>Strong presentation and communication skills. </li><li>Can manage multiple projects simultaneously. </li><li>Ability to travel. </li></ul> <p>PLEASE NOTE: Acxion Foodservice Inc. reserves the right to change, modify or add to the duties and essential functions at any time.</p>